{"id":24758,"date":"2026-03-08T17:01:16","date_gmt":"2026-03-08T15:01:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wedodis.co.za\/news\/?p=24758"},"modified":"2026-03-08T17:01:16","modified_gmt":"2026-03-08T15:01:16","slug":"2025-26-softfootball-combined-xi-arsenal-reigns-supreme-over-chelsea","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wedodis.co.za\/news\/2025-26-softfootball-combined-xi-arsenal-reigns-supreme-over-chelsea\/","title":{"rendered":"2025\/26 Softfootball Combined XI: Arsenal Reigns Supreme Over Chelsea"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

Softfootball analysts have assembled a combined XI of players from Arsenal and Chelsea for the 2025\/26 season, taking into account their performance, availability, consistency, and overall influence on the field.<\/p>\n

Goalkeeper<\/h2>\n
\"David
David Raya (Photo Credit: Arsenal website)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

David Raya<\/strong> (Arsenal)
\nDavid Raya has been selected over Robert S\u00e1nchez for his steadiness and dependability in goal.<\/p>\n

Defence<\/h2>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Position<\/th>\nPlayer<\/th>\nClub<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Right Back<\/td>\nJurrien Timber<\/strong><\/td>\nArsenal<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Centre Back<\/td>\nGabriel Magalh\u00e3es<\/strong><\/td>\nArsenal<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Centre Back<\/td>\nWilliam Saliba<\/strong><\/td>\nArsenal<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Left Back<\/td>\nMarc Cucurella<\/strong><\/td>\nChelsea<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/figure>\n

In the right-back position, Jurri\u00ebn Timber is preferred over Reece James. Although James might be viewed as the more skilled player, his availability has been hindered by injuries this season, while Timber has consistently featured.<\/p>\n

Bukayo Saka, William Saliba and Gabriel Magalha\u0303es \u2013 Photo Credit : Arsenalinsider<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Gabriel Magalh\u00e3es and William Saliba constitute a solid centre-back pairing, recognized as one of the most formidable in the league.<\/p>\n

Marc Cucurella represents Chelsea in the left-back slot, marking the club’s sole inclusion in defense.<\/p>\n

Defensive breakdown:<\/strong> Arsenal 3 \u2013 Chelsea 1.<\/p>\n

Midfield<\/h2>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Position<\/th>\nPlayer<\/th>\nClub<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
DM<\/td>\nMoises Caicedo<\/strong><\/td>\nChelsea<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
CM<\/td>\nDeclan Rice<\/strong><\/td>\nArsenal<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
AM<\/td>\nCole Palmer<\/strong><\/td>\nChelsea<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/figure>\n
Moise\u0301s Caicedo and Declan Rice \u2013 Photo Credit : Givemesport<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Mois\u00e9s Caicedo is assigned the defensive midfield role, with Declan Rice taking the central midfield position.<\/p>\n

The attacking midfield selection has sparked considerable debate. Although Cole Palmer has underperformed this season, Eberechi Eze and Martin \u00d8degaard have also faced challenges in terms of form and playing time. Considering various factors, Palmer is ultimately chosen as the preferable option.<\/p>\n

Midfield breakdown:<\/strong> Arsenal 1 \u2013 Chelsea 2.<\/p>\n

Attack<\/h2>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Position<\/th>\nPlayer<\/th>\nClub<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Left Wing<\/td>\nLeandro Trossard<\/strong><\/td>\nArsenal<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Right Wing<\/td>\nBukayo Saka<\/strong><\/td>\nArsenal<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Striker<\/td>\nJo\u00e3o Pedro<\/strong><\/td>\nChelsea<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/figure>\n
\"Jo\u00e3o
Jo\u00e3o Pedro and Victor Gy\u00f6keres \u2013 Football.com<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

For the striker position, Jo\u00e3o Pedro is selected over Victor Gy\u00f6keres due to concerns regarding Gy\u00f6keres’ current consistency.<\/p>\n

Leandro Trossard takes the spot on the left wing, while Bukayo Saka firmly secures the right wing position.<\/p>\n

Final Combined XI Count<\/h2>\n
    \n
  • Arsenal: 7 Players<\/strong><\/li>\n
  • Chelsea: 4 Players<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Arsenal leads the combined lineup with a total of seven players, showcasing their superior consistency and player availability this season. Chelsea occupies four spots across defense, midfield, and attack.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n