COMBINED XI: Tottenham vs Manchester City

SillySeason put together their combined XI of this weekend’s biggest match

The biggest game of the Premier League this weekend comes at White Hart Lane as Tottenham Hotspur host Manchester City on Saturday.

The two usually put on epic encounters when they come up against each other, but following mixed results in both league and the Capital One Cup, anything could happen come kick-off at 12:45.

City lost their first Premier League game last weekend at home to West Ham United, while Spurs were knocked out of the cup at home to fierce-rivals Arsenal on Wednesday.

But what would a combined XI team look like?

Well SillySeason have put together their XI if the two teams were to merge together.

What do you think?

Goalkeeper – Hugo Lloris – Tottenham Hotspur

Tricky choice to start with between Hugo Lloris and Joe Hart.

We ended up going with the Tottenham shot-stopper however due to his consistent nature and performances. The Frenchman rarely makes errors and often keeps Spurs in matches.

As for Hart, he was predicted a big and bright future when he was on-loan at Birmingham City, and although he’s had a great career at the Etihad Stadium, he hasn’t blossomed as well as everyone had predicted.

Still a top-class ‘keeper mind you, but for us, Lloris is better.

Right-Back – Pablo Zabaleta

Now Bacary Sagna may be in the first-team for Manchester City these days, but over the past few seasons, Pablo Zabaleta has been one of the most consistent players and one of the best full-backs.

Spurs don’t really have great choices at right-back, and for us, Zabaleta is still one of the best in England.

Centre-Back – Jan Vertonghen – Tottenham Hotspur

One of Spurs‘ most reliable players in recent seasons.

Jan Vertonghen is Tottenham‘s leader at the back and he makes our team just ahead of City duo Nicolas Otamendi and Eliaquim Mangala.

Rarely puts a foot wrong and usually provides solid cover for goalkeeper Hugo Lloris.

Centre-Back – Vincent Kompany – Manchester City

Since arriving in England, Vincent Kompany has grown as one of the greatest Premier League defenders.

Last season he had a forgettable season, with some very lackluster performances, but in the opening six weeks this season, he’s been back to his best.

Solid at the back and a constant threat up front from set-plays.

One of the greatest centre-backs in recent years.

Left-Back – Aleksandar Kolarov – Manchester City

This one was a tough choice.

Danny Rose, Gael Clichy or Aleksandar Kolarov. We had to discuss it in depth but eventually we agreed on Kolarov.

A deadly free-kick on him and often grabs assists for Manchester City.

In reality, none of the trio are top-class options, but for us, Kolarov is the best out of a bad bunch.

Centre-Midfield – Yaya Toure – Manchester City

Doubt anyone will disagree with this addition.

Just like Vincent Kompany, Yaya Toure had an off season last year, but already he’s back to his powerful best and is vital for Manchester City.

He has been one of the greats in terms of midfielders for the Premier League and despite not getting birthday cake, he’s been a vital asset to City‘s success in recent years.

One of the best signings ever made.

Right-Midfield – Raheem Sterling – Manchester City

Is he worth £50million? Probably not, but he adds a lot to a team with his lightning pace and quick feet.

Raheem Sterling does need to work on his finishing if he wants to become top, top class, but at his age, he’s still got plenty of time to improve and develop.

His move to City will only do wonders for his career as he is now surrounded by much better players. No offence to Liverpool, but City are in a different league to Brendan Rodgers‘ side.

Not the finished article, but a working progress. Should only get better.

Left-Midfield – David Silva – Manchester City

Another great of the Premier League era that Manchester City have provided us with.

Should David Silva be scoring more goals per season? Yes, but you cannot knock his impact he has on City.

When the Spaniard is on form and up for a game, he’s unstoppable and just breathtaking to watch.

His vision and his overall style of play is just fascinating to watch and he certainly lights up even the dullest of matches.

Centre-Attacking Midfield – Christian Eriksen – Tottenham Hotspur

The man who carries Tottenham Hotspur at times.

Christian Eriksen has been fairly quiet so far this season due to injury issues, but last season he was stunning for Spurs.

Late-goals, deadly set-pieces and a perfect link-up with Harry Kane makes the Dane hard to stop.

With the likes of David Silva and Raheem Sterling either side of him, he’d be in assist heaven.

Striker – Sergio Aguero – Manchester City

‘Manchester City are still alive here, Balotelli, AGUERROOOOOOOOO. I swear you’ll never see anything like this ever again, so watch it, drink it in.’

Martin Tyler‘s words after one of the greatest Premier League moments which came courtesy of this guy. Sergio Aguero.

The last minute Premier League title winning goal against Queens Park Rangers was just a ridiculous moment and Aguero has been a ridiculous player for City.

Despite constant injury problems, the Argentine still scores goals for fun and still tops the charts most seasons.

Another all-time great brought to you by Manchester City.

Striker – Harry Kane – Tottenham Hotspur

Alright he’s been off form so far this season, but last year was just remarkable from Harry Kane.

31-goals for a breakthrough season is astonishing and everything he seemed to hit last year just went in.

Can Kane re-find that form? Possibly not, but for last year’s stunning performances, he makes our team and is the partner for Sergio Aguero.

 

So there is our combined XI in a 4-1-2-1-2 formation.

What are your thoughts?

What would be your team?

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt