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Whenever Arsenal and Chelsea meet, the quality on display is never in question. Sunday's first encounter of the season this campaign is no different.
The defending Premier League champions were England's standout side last term and have only bolstered their squad during the summer transfer window. It comes as little surprise that they retained their key players while also bringing in significant reinforcements.
For the Blues, it's been yet another summer of sweeping changes, beginning with the appointment of Xabi Alonso. The Spaniard has been handed a wealth of exciting new signings, enabling him to assemble a formidable squad packed with promise.
With that in mind, here's what a combined lineup of Arsenal and Chelsea players would look like—based on availability for this weekend's fixture.
Arsenal vs. Chelsea: Combined XI
GK: David Raya
Even with Chelsea making a major upgrade between the posts this summer by replacing the error-prone Robert Sánchez with World Cup winner Emiliano Martínez, Arsenal still boast the Premier League's finest goalkeeper.
David Raya's brilliance has been central to Arsenal's rise under Mikel Arteta, and the Spaniard's list of mistakes is refreshingly brief. Composed and, more often than not, unbeatable, he currently stands in a class of his own.
RB: Reece James
Were Jurriën Timber fit and available, this would be a trickier call, but Reece James is without doubt the top right-back option as things stand. Malo Gusto, Marco Palestra and Ben White simply cannot compete with Chelsea's skipper.
A superb all-around player, James can influence matches despite operating in a deeper position, with his exceptional distribution making him a valuable asset in possession—whether at right back or in midfield. When called upon defensively, very few wingers can get the better of him.
CB: Gabriel
With William Saliba sidelined through injury, Gabriel is shifted into a right-sided center-back role. Under normal circumstances, the Brazilian would line up on the left alongside his French teammate, with no Chelsea center backs earning a spot in this combined XI.
In hindsight, it seems strange that Gabriel was once viewed as a weak link in Arsenal's backline during the early days of Arteta's tenure, particularly given that he's now arguably ahead of Saliba in the pecking order. The Brazilian has been dominant over the past few seasons and absolutely vital to his side's resolute defensive record.
CB: Levi Colwill
The one to benefit from Saliba's injury concerns is Levi Colwill, who is an undeniably accomplished defender even if he falls short of Arsenal's first-choice center-back pairing. Chelsea sorely missed him last season as they struggled under Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior, and Alonso will be delighted to have him available and in form from the outset of his tenure.
Colwill has hit the ground running this season as the left-sided center back in Alonso's 3-4-2-1 setup, though he is equally adept in a flat back four. His physicality, pace and technical ability make him the archetypal modern defender.
LB: Riccardo Calafiori
Following Marc Cucurella's departure to Real Madrid during the summer, Chelsea are left without a particularly compelling option at left back. Arsenal, on the other hand, have two converted center backs who have thrived in the position.
Piero Hincapié was frequently Arteta's preferred choice last season, but Calafiori has won his manager's trust this term. The Italian has been given the license to push forward and provide attacking width, a tactic that gives him the advantage over Hincapié.
DM: Declan Rice
Some find it trendy to criticize Declan Rice, eagerly highlighting any perceived flaws in his game. Unfortunately for the doubters, there are very few—if any—to point to, with barely a midfielder in world football matching him in either the No. 8 or No. 6 role.
The Englishman has operated in various positions under Arteta and excelled regardless of where he's played, frequently dominating games with his energy, leadership and deadly set-piece delivery. There is simply nothing Rice cannot do.
RW: Bukayo Saka
Several critics pointed to Bukayo Saka's modest output during Arsenal's Premier League title-winning campaign in an effort to diminish his reputation, but no such criticism can be directed at the winger in the early stages of this season.
Saka has already found the net in both of Arsenal's opening two fixtures, demonstrating his instincts inside the box with a pair of clinical finishes. Those who continue to doubt the 24-year-old may well find themselves eating their words by the end of the campaign.
CM: Martin Ødegaard
Moisés Caicedo could be ruled out of Sunday's match through injury, which opens the door for Martin Ødegaard. The Norwegian has earned his inclusion on the strength of his early-season performances, having rediscovered his confidence and sharpness.
After netting against Manchester City in the Community Shield, Arsenal's captain struck again against Coventry City. He orchestrated an emphatic win and followed it up with another elegant display in the recent victory over Aston Villa.
CM: Cole Palmer
Another player threatening to recapture his finest form is Cole Palmer, who has shone during Chelsea's wins over Fulham and Brighton & Hove Albion. We've had to accommodate him in a deeper role within our lineup, but the Englishman tends to deliver regardless of his position.
Sparkling performances have already produced three goal contributions this season, including two superb strikes that highlighted his lethal left foot. Alonso has so far succeeded in getting the best out of Palmer, and that is a worrying prospect for Premier League defenses.
LW: Morgan Rogers
Chelsea were not the only club pursuing Morgan Rogers during the summer, with Arsenal also keen on the versatile attacker as they looked to inject more firepower into their front line. However, the Blues moved fastest, securing the 24-year-old in a deal that made him the most expensive British player in history.
Rogers has made a promising start to his time in west London, contributing both a goal and an assist in the Premier League so far. He is electric in advanced areas, operating just behind Chelsea striker João Pedro with the freedom to roam across the final third.
ST: João Pedro
Were it not for Man City's extraordinary Norwegian, Chelsea would have the Premier League's finest striker right now. João Pedro has been outstanding since swapping the south coast for west London and, after a 20-goal debut campaign, looks set to flourish under Alonso's guidance.
Questions were raised about Pedro's effectiveness as a centre-forward during his time at Brighton, where he often played in a No. 10 role rather than leading the line. But those doubts have been firmly put to rest by his devastating performances, which have been considerably more consistent than those of Arsenal strikers Viktor Gyökeres and Kai Havertz.