Named: The five Chelsea stars who make combined XI with Arsenal - as stats boffins include Blues winger with only five goals to his name this season

Chelsea ’s new boss Liam Rosenior could hardly face a tougher first test at Stamford Bridge than Arsenal on Wednesday night, but he will be confident his side have more than enough talent to spring an upset.

In fact, according to stats boffins Sofascore, five of Rosenior's players make it into a combined Chelsea vs Arsenal XI ahead of first leg of Wednesday's Carabao Cup semi-final, which may come as a surprise given the Gunners are a huge 18 points better off in the Premier League table.

Arsenal, who sit top of both the Premier League and Champions League tables and remain in contention in both domestic cup competitions, have six players in the combined XI and show a noticeable dominance in defence.

The selection is based on data tracking each player’s average rating over the course of the season so far and excludes those currently sidelined through injury.

Arsenal boast the three highest-rated players in the lineup by average rating, as well as the lowest-rated star.

So who makes the cut? Using Sofascore data, Daily Mail Sport takes a look...

As Arsenal and Chelsea prepare to do battle which of their players make the combined XI?

DAVID RAYA (GOALKEEPER) - 6.90

With 15 clean sheets from 27 appearances in all competitions so far, it's no surprise to see David Raya between the sticks.

The Spaniard has been superb since his 2023 move to the Emirates, establishing himself not only as Arsenal's No 1 but also as one of the most consistent goalkeepers in the division.

An impressive shot-stopper with superb distribution, Raya has helped lead Arsenal's title charge from the back and is in pole position to pick up the Golden Glove for a third straight season.

REECE JAMES (RIGHT BACK) - 7.26

While also playing plenty of games in midfield, Reece James has reminded everyone why he is one of the best right backs in the Premier League with a superb first half of the season.

The Blues captain, 26, has overcome his injury woe to chalk up 25 appearances across all competitions so far, emerging the favourite to start as England's right back under Thomas Tuchel at the World Cup this summer.

While significantly improving his availability, James has also taken a leap in terms of his performances, stepping up with eight important goal contributions ahead of Wednesday's London derby.

WILLIAM SALIBA (CENTRE BACK) - 7.03

Despite being ever so slightly overshadowed by Arsenal team-mate Gabriel Magalhaes this campaign, William Saliba remains one of the first names of Mikel Arteta's teamsheet - and with good reason.

Tall, strong and defensively astute, the Frenchman rarely finds himself on the wrong side of a head-to-head battle and is a key reason why Arsenal have kept so many clean sheets this season.

Arsenal’s second-string defensive pairing, Piero Hincapie and Cristhian Mosquera, also deserve plenty of praise for deputising solidly during the brief injury absences of Saliba and Gabriel.

GABRIEL MAGALHAES (CENTRE BACK) - 7.31

Arguably the best defender in the world right now, Gabriel has taken strides on both sides of the pitch this season, chipping in with crucial goals to aid Arsenal's Premier League title charge.

As the Gunners continue to lead the way in terms of their threat from set-pieces, Gabriel has been reaping the rewards with his ability in the air, netting four goals from defence already this campaign.

His impressive average rating of 7.31 ranks as the second best player across the two squads, with only one Arsenal star outperforming him so far this season.

RICCARDO CALAFIORI (LEFT BACK) - 6.87

Completing the back line is Arsenal left-back Riccardo Calafiori, who has done well to keep Chelsea's Marc Cucurella out of the side after an excellent start to the season.

Calafiori's inclusion means that only Chelsea's captain James has managed to infiltrate the Arsenal back line in this combined XI - and it's no real surprise given how dominate the Gunners have been in defence.

Although Arteta has plenty of options now in the left back position, including England international Myles Lewis-Skelly and versatile defender Hincapie, Calafiori has established himself as the clear first choice under the Spaniard with 20 appearances so far to his name.

ENZO FERNANDEZ (CENTRE-MIDFIELD) - 7.16

The first midfielder fending off competition from the likes of Martin Zubimendi and Eberechi Eze is Chelsea's record signing Enzo Fernandez.

A versatile player who can pass, dribble, tackle and certainly has an edge to his game, the Argentinian has added goals to his repertoire his campaign.

Fernandez has bagged an impressive nine in 29 appearance this season, giving him a SofaScore rating of 7.16.

MOISES CAICEDO (CENTRE-MIDFIELD) - 7.26

There are few players more deserving of a spot in this star-studded joint eleven than Moises Caicedo.

Signed with a lot of expectation resting on his shoulders in the summer of 2023, the Ecuadorian midfield general has taken his game to new heights at Stamford Bridge.

Liam Rosenior described Caicedo this week as the 'best midfielder in the world', though SofaScore's next pick may have something to say about that.

DECLAN RICE (CENTRE-MIDFIELDER) - 7.52

Not only is England stalwart Declan Rice one of the most likeable players in the Premier League, but he also has a great shout at being the best.

For a defensive midfielder, Rice has it all, despite pundits in some quarters desiring he scores more goals. The only thing the Gunners' fan favourite is missing is a stacked trophy cabinet. Right now, all he's won is the Conference League with West Ham.

This season may well be the year that changes and with Arsenal still challenging on all four fronts, he could add more than one to that list.

BUKAYO SAKA (CENTRE-MIDFIELDER) - 7.27

Not for nothing was Bukayo Saka handed a contract extension which has made him Arsenal's highest earner last week. The academy graduate is arguably Arsenal's greatest talisman, and in the absence of Martin Odegaard this season, the England star has also sported the captain's armband with some regularity.

With Saka in the side, Arsenal are stronger and loaded with threat, as evidenced by his steady haul this term - he's scored seven and notched up a further six assists across all competitions this season.

His Premier League stats back up his status too, with Saka the third-highest scored player in the combined XI.

JOAO PEDRO (STRIKER) - 6.90

Signed during the Club World Cup, the Brazilian forward was immediately off to the races Stateside, netting three times as Chelsea surged to their victory in the new-look tournament.

But since returning to English soil, former Brighton striker Pedro has struggled to find consistency in his new side, and remains in conflict for fellow summer purchase Liam Delap for a permanent stop in the Blues' starting XI.

That being said, he has scored a not-to-be-sniffed-at six Premier League goals this season, and continues to look a hungry presence among the west Londoners' ranks.

PEDRO NETO (WINGER) - 7.04

Time will tell if Rosenior relies upon Pedro Neto as much as his predecessor Enzo Maresca has this season, but he would be wise to do so, with the Portugal international one of the Blues' lynchpins this season.

With five goals and a further three assists to his name in the Premier League, there are higher-scoring stars out there, but the winger's work rate has also impressed, with seven big chances created this term, as per Sofascore.