Chelsea and Man City go head-to-head tonight in a battle right at the top of the Premier League table.
Both sides have a number of world class players, so we combined their two squads to make our best Combined Xi based on these two sides ahead of their match tonight.
Here is who we chose…
GK – Thibaut Courtois
Courtois has become not only a key player for Chelsea but one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League since his return to the club from Atletico Madrid.
A safe pair of hands, he is a key reason as to why the Blues have conceded so little this season in their push for the title.
He is confident and composed despite being just 24-years old and it has led to interest from several other teams all across Europe.
An easy pick for this Combined XI.
CB – David Luiz
Luiz heads up a defence which is composed entirely of Chelsea players.
The Brazilian has been in good form since his return to Stamford Bridge for PSG, putting in a number of good showings and helping his side concede only 23 goals in 29 games in the Premier League so far this season.
If Man City want to score past the Blues, then they will have to get past Luiz and that isn’t always an easy thing to do if he is having a good game.
Not only is he good in defence but he does like to push up and have a shot on goal when attacking too!
CB – Gary Cahill
Cahill is a regular for both club and country and it’s down to some consistently solid performances at the heart of whatever defence he is a part of.
He doesn’t always steal the show but instead goes about his business and helps his side defend and keep clean sheets.
He’s also good in the air and capable of popping up with a goal or two at the other end of the field as well, which is always a good thing to have at set-pieces.
Despite entering his thirties, he remains a cool head in central defence and still one of the Blues’ important defenders.
CB – Cesar Azpilicueta
The Spaniard is versatile and able to play in both the centre of defence and in a left-back role as well, which is a huge boost to the Chelsea side as he can slip in where he is needed.
Wherever he plays, he always seems to put in a good showing. This year, he’s been trusted more in central defence and he has taken advantage of regular gametime in the centre, having some impressive performances.
He isn’t afraid of getting stuck into a tackle and he can play the ball out well from the back too, as his passing is quite good.
Another top addition to this Combined XI.
LWB/LM – Marcos Alonso
Alonso is another of Conte’s new signings and he has proved to be a revelation at Stamford Bridge.
He can play as a left-wing back or as a left midfielder but one thing is for sure – wherever he plays, he is bound to do extremely well.
The fee that Chelsea paid for his services is starting to look like a bargain now, as he has quickly become one of the Blue’s star players.
He can push forward and help start attacks, he is a threat from set-pieces, he is fantastic when back and defending and he is also very good in the air.
A really good player to have in the side.
RWB/RM – Victor Moses
Moses has been rejuvenated this year and he earns his place in this Combined XI.
After a few torrid seasons at various clubs, he has really found his footing with the Blues now. As a right midfielder or right-wing back, he is a huge asset to have in the side.
This year, his runs down the wings have consistently caused problems for opposition defences and he can even pop up with a goal or two when needed.
Antonio Conte appears to have breathed new life into him and the Blues would now seemingly be lost without him.
CM – David Silva
The first Man City player in this side is David Silva.
The Spaniard has consistently, over the last few seasons, been one of City’s most important and best players.
His creativity and flair in midfield has helped his side in countless games and he is able to attack and set-up his teammates and then get back and defend when the opposition launch attacks.
At 31, his passing range remains impeccable and he shows no signs of slowing down at all.
CM – N’Golo Kante
N’Golo Kante is a machine and there isn’t really much more to say after that!
The former Leicester man has continued on his incredible rise since moving to Stamford Bridge and has quickly become not only one of his club’s star players but one of the best in the Premier League.
His interceptions are incredible and he never seems to tire, always running and breaking up opposition attacks before starting new ones for his side.
He’s had a fantastic year that has gone from strength to strength and the Blues will need him to keep up his tremendous form as they enter the last few games of the season.
CAM – Kevin De Bruyne
De Bruyne could come up against his former team again tonight and he will be hoping to inflict as much pain upon them as possible!
The attacking midfielder is always a threat when he plays, with his incredible passing range and his superb dribbling ability, not to mention his finishing – he certainly knows where the back of the net is!
He’s also a good set-piece taker and since his move to City, he has proven to be worth every penny that they initially paid for him.
He offers so much when he is in the side in both attack and defence and he is also incredibly versatile in where he can play. A true star of the team.
ST – Eden Hazard
Eden Hazard is yet another player who has gone back to his best under Antonio Conte.
The Belgium international has been placed up front in this Combined XI but he can also play on the wing or in attacking midfield. Wherever he is on the pitch doesn’t matter because he will always be a threat!
Hazard has once again become a key player in the Premier League and it’s led to heavy interest from a number of other sides. Chelsea, understandably, will be unwilling to let him go.
His dribbling is a constant thorn in the opposition’s side, as he is able to create chances for himself and his teammates out of nothing. Another brilliant player to have in the squad.
ST – Sergio Aguero
Finally, we have Sergio Aguero.
A true striker and poacher, Aguero can guarantee you one thing and that is goals. The Argentina international is one of the best strikers in the league and is regularly near the top of the goalscoring charts in the Premier League.
Whenever he is on the pitch, the opposition has every right to be worried because when he gets the ball, it often ends in a goal.
It’s not just about goals with Aguero either – he can create chances for himself and his teammates and if he finds himself in a bad situation, his dribbling can help him create a goalscoring chance – like Hazard – out of nothing.
He is lethal up front and him and Hazard would be a force to be reckoned with.
Do you agree with our picks? Who should we have included if not?