Rio Ferdinand, Joe Cole and Glenn Hoddle have each drawn up their strongest Chelsea starting-eleven ahead of the clash with Arsenal. The Blues are set to welcome the Gunners to Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon as Graham Potter looks to return to winning ways in the Premier League.
The west Londoners head into the clash off the back of a 4-1 defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion after having enjoyed a six-game unbeaten streak in the league. And, there are several question marks over who Potter should start against Mikel Arteta's side, one of which being the goalkeeper.
Kepa Arrizabalaga was taken off at half-time in Chelsea's clash with the Seagulls after having picked up a knock. The Spaniard missed training in the build-up to the Champions League tie with Dinamo Zagreb.
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Speaking on BT Sport, Ferdinand, Cole and Hoddle have composed what they think is Chelsea's strongest starting-eleven. When asked who they would start if the Champions League final was tomorrow, the latter of three kickstarted the discussion.
"It’s a solid back three (Kalidou Koulibaly, Thiago Silva andTrevoh Chalobah) and I like the wing-backs (Reece James and Ben Chilwell)," Hoddle said. "I have gone with Kepa in goal, he had his worst game at the weekend against Brighton, I am not sure where his head was at.
"But I think he needs that experience in front of him. In midfield you have to have [N'Golo] Kante in that position, but I think there is a nice balance in that team. I like [Kai] Havertz and [Mason] Mount in the front three alongside [Raheem] Sterling."
Cole chipped in and agreed with Hoddle. The former Chelsea midfielder said: "I would pick the same team as Glenn.
"Maybe [Cesar] Azpilicueta could come in instead of Chalobah, but with a 34 and a 38-year-old in a Champions League final, it could be a problem. I think Conor Gallagher might have played himself into my team, whenever I have watched him under Potter, he has got the legs and the influence on the game.
"If you’re chasing the game, you always have the option of bringing Chilwell off and [Christian] Pulisic in that position. There are so many options in that team, but Azpilicueta provides that experience."
But, Ferdinand disagreed with Cole and Hoddle, claiming that he would rather Edouard Mendy between the sticks. The former Manchester United defender said: "Mendy would be my ‘keeper.
"As a centre-back, I would be thinking who is going to make the big saves at the right time, and I think since he has been at Chelsea he has proved that. It would depends on who the opponents are, but if I was looking to stretch the game, Aubameyang would be my striker of choice then allow Mount and Sterling to go and create space and chances in behind."
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