With the second international break of the season now behind us, it’s time once again to start looking at the year’s feature competition – the Premier League. Chelsea and Manchester City are set to face off at the Etihad Stadium in the late kick-off on Saturday night, in a match that could effectively decide the title-race, just 13 weeks in the campaign. With the Blues currently in 3rd and the Citizens in 4th, it is vital for either side to get the win that would help them effectively eliminate the other from the title race.
The home side haven’t been in the greatest runs of form in recent weeks, and will be looking to get back to winning ways when they welcome Frank Lampard’s rampant Chelsea team. The Citizens’ defeat against Liverpool at Anfield will undoubtedly fill the Blues’ boss with hope about his team’s chances on the weekend. With that said though, Pep Guardiola will be more than eager to prove his candidacy for the title, despite the slight slip-up as well.
With an explosive spectacle in store for the fans on the weekend, let’s take a look at a combined XI, featuring the best players from both sides. The selections can be based either on form or overall quality, depending on the positional requirements.
Here is our Manchester City Vs Chelsea Combined XI:
Formation: 4-3-3
GK – Ederson Moraes
Although the Brazilian has been nursing an injury in recent week, Kepa Arizzabalaga still has a lot to prove before he can seriously be considered to be better among the two goalies.
Despite the Spaniard’s decent form, the City shot-stopper is sure to get the nod.
RB – Kyle Walker
The Englishman hasn’t been showcasing the best of form in recent weeks but does offer a more stable and balanced option than the ones that Chelsea have to offer. Azpilicueta’s lack of attacking intensity added to Reece James’ inexperience, means that Walker walks into this side.
CB – Kurt Zouma
The Frenchman has been nothing short of sensational in recent weeks after he `was criticised for his performances in the opening games of the season. Considering City’s defensive struggles as well, his inclusion at the heart of the defence is a no-brainer.
CB – Fikayo Tomori
Probably a consequence of the Citizens’ current defensive fragility, the young Chelsea academy product would be a shoo-in to this side as well. Aymeric Laporte’s long-term absence means that Tomori would be the next best option.
LB – Benjamin Mendy
Quite possibly the position that would act as the weakest link in this team, Benjamin Mendy makes it into the side based only on overall quality. While Chelsea’s options in Emerson and Marcos Alonso just don’t make the mark, Angeliño’s inexperience makes him an improbable pick.
RCM – Mateo Kovacic
The Croatian international has arguably relaunched his whole career under Frank Lampard this season, having started the term off looking like a new man. The sheer control and composure he adds in midfield would be an asset to any team.
CM – N’Golo Kante
As if there was any question about who would play as the midfield pivot. The French World Cup winner would walk into the starting lineup at any team in the world, as he does here on this occasion.
LCM – Kevin De Bruyne
To finish what is possibly the deadliest and most complete midfield that the Premier League has ever seen, the Belgian genius needs to be added to the mix. His passing and movement, along with Kante covering, would be simply unstoppable.
RW – Raheem Sterling
Although the English sensation generally operates down the left, he has played on the right at times for City this season, making him an ideal choice. He doesn’t look like the kind of player who lets his starting position stop him from scoring goals.
ST – Sergio Aguero
Yes, Tammy Abraham might be a good shout as well, but the Argentine’s vast experience and tactical know-how make him an obvious choice up-front. His link-up play with Sterling plays a massive part in the selection as well.
LW – Christian Pulisic
The Blues’ American superstar has been lighting the Premier League on fire, week after week in recent times. His ravishing run of form added to the sheer quality that he’s brought to the Chelsea attack, make him a good choice on the left flank.
Substitutes: Kepa Arizzabalaga, Joao Cancelo, Aymeric Laporte, Jorginho, Fernandinho, Mason Mount, Tammy Abraham.
