Arsenal’s Best Possible Starting Squad to Face Chelsea

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Laurent Koscielny and Gabriel Paulista

This new pairing is all the rage in North London. These two near-identical center backs are starting to show us exactly what to expect with them anchoring the defense. Both were slightly brilliant against a tough Reading side and looked good in isolated scenarios and in team defense.

We always know that we can expect this kind of quality from Koscielny, but while Gabriel’s tenure at Arsenal has been a short one thus far, he has looked better and better with each appearance. He’s a no-nonsense defender who clears the ball without hesitation and doesn’t hesitate to lower a shoulder into an oncoming attacker. While that may be frowned upon, I’m a fan of the physicality.

Per Mertesacker’s injury may leave Arsenal’s defense a little thinly-staffed, but as long as Koscielny and Gabriel can stay healthy, we should feel very confident under their watch.

Next: Left Back