Manchester City/Chelsea Combined XI
SillySeason put together the best possible team combining the two squads
All eyes will be on the Etihad Stadium this afternoon as Manchester City host Chelsea with the possibility of going five points clear of their title-rivals if they pick up all three points.
City won their first game against West Bromwich Albion, whilst Chelsea were held to a draw by Swansea City at Stamford Bridge.
So with the game set, SillySeason thought it would be a good idea to put together a combined XI of Chelsea and City players.
The two teams are arguably the best two in England and easily have the best squads in the Premier League, so picking an eleven including both sets of players will be tricky.
But without further ado, here is SillySeason’s City/Chelsea combined XI.
Goalkeeper – Thibaut Courtois – Chelsea
Tricky choice between Joe Hart and Thibaut Courtois, but we had to give it to the Belgium.
In recent seasons, Hart has made numerous errors for City, and without real competition at the club, he’s been guaranteed the number-one spot.
As for Courtois, he had to comeback to Chelsea after a three-year loan spell and displace Petr Cech, something he did with ease during the 2014/2015 season.
Courtois edges it for us.
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Right-Back – Pablo Zabaleta – Manchester City
Another tough choice with it being between Pablo Zabaleta and Branislav Ivanovic, but on his day, Zabaleta has to be considered the best right-back in the Premier League.
Of course he’s also a natural right-back, which Ivanovic isn’t, and for that reason, he takes our right-back position.
Solid going forward, solid at the back. Just what you want from a full-back.
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Centre-Back – John Terry – Chelsea
He’s the best centre-back in the Premier League so of course he makes this side.
John Terry‘s career looked all-but over a few years ago, but ever since Jose Mourinho returned, he’s probably been at his best.
As an Englishman, it’s very annoying that Terry won’t play for his country, because no doubt he’d still walk into the team.
Terry takes our first central defensive slot and would probably be the team’s captain.
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Centre-Back – Vincent Kompany – Manchester City
Apart from having a poor campaign last season, Vincent Kompany has been one of the best defenders in the Premier League ever since his arrival.
Strong, fast and a brilliant understanding of the game makes him Mr Reliable at the back.
Expect him to be back to his best this season and he slots in nicely alongside JT in our team.
Not a bad centre-half pairing.
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Left-Back – Cesar Azpilicueta – Chelsea
A natural right-back is now probably the Premier League‘s best left-back.
Very talented footballer is Cesar Azpilicueta and he has already forced Filipe Luis to leave the club just one-year after arriving.
Despite Chelsea‘s quest for a new left-back, we don’t expect him to displace the Spaniard who has become a crucial part of Jose Mourinho‘s team.
So that’s the back four and goalkeeper sorted. Not bad so far right?
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Centre-Midfield – Nemanja Matic – Chelsea
Easy choice. The best holding-midfielder in the Premier League.
Often overlooked because he doesn’t score goals or grab assists, but Nemanja Matic was vital for Chelsea last season, and will be vital for them again this time around.
His understanding of the game and ability to snuff out counter attacks makes him vital to The Blues‘ midfield.
He can ping a ball as well which helps a lot.
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Centre-Midfield – Yaya Toure – Manchester City
Very similar to Vincent Kompany.
Yaya Toure didn’t have the best campaign last season, but this year he’s started with a bang, netting a brace, and you cannot question his ability.
Since arriving at City, Toure has been one of the best players in the league yet alone in his own position, so he had to make our team.
It was close between himself and Cesc Fabregas however, who has created a formidable partnership with Nemanja Matic.
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Right-Midfield – David Silva – Manchester City
Manchester City asked after the West Brom game whether David Silva will ever really be appreciated for just how good he is.
Well we appreciate him and that’s why he makes our team.
A superb play-maker who can provide goals and assists which is vital to have at right-midfield. His size makes him tricky to mark and handle so he has to make our team.
We appreciate you David, even if City think others don’t.
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Left-Midfield – Eden Hazard – Chelsea
Of course the Player of the Year makes the team.
Eden Hazard is simply a phenomenal talent who would walk into most teams across Europe, so of course he walks into this one.
His pace, trickery and ability to score from anywhere makes him a valuable asset and he was a massive part in Chelsea strolling to the league title last season.
Had to be included.
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Striker – Diego Costa – Chelsea
Not many teams play two strikers up front these days, but we had to for this team.
Diego Costa has to be included after his stunning debut season in England, even though his hamstrings do concern us.
His power, pace and ability to find the net makes him a brilliant striker overall and we have him alongside one of the best strikers in the world.
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Striker – Sergio Aguero – Manchester City
Along with Eden Hazard, Sergio Aguero is probably the best player in the Premier League so we had to make room for him.
Yes just like Diego Costa his fitness levels are a concern, but he missed large portions of last season and still finish top goalscorer for the Premier League.
He scores goals. Just what you want.
So there we have it. Five from Manchester City and six from Chelsea.
Do you agree? What’s your combined XI?
Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt
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