Combined XI – Chelsea Vs Tottenham
The two best teams in England will go head to head this Saturday when Chelsea take on Tottenham Hotspur in the semi-finals of the Emirates FA Cup at the Wembley Stadium.
The two London clubs, who are also competing for the Premier League title, will see the clash as an opportunity to heap serious pressure on each other, along with a chance to win a silverware.
Chelsea sit on top of the Premier League table and have looked unbeatable for large parts of the season under new coach Antonio Conte’s 3-4-3 system. They made it to the semifinals, after beating Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United 1-0.
On the other hand, Tottenham find themselves just 4 points behind the Blues, with the momentum on their side, having won 7 fixtures on the run. They qualified for the final four of the FA Cup after a thumping 6-0 win over Millwall.
Ahead of the mega clash in English football this weekend, let’s take a look at a star-studded combined XI featuring the best players from either side:
Combined Chelsea And Tottenham XI:
Formation: 3-4-2-1
Hugo Lloris (GK)
Between the sticks, it will be Tottenham captain, Hugo Lloris, who just manages to edge out Thibaut Courtois owing to his 15 clean sheets in all competitions, compared to just 14 from the Chelsea shot-stopper.
Cesar Azpilicueta (CB)
Arguably the best centre-half for Chelsea this season, the versatile Spanish defender has looked comfortable in his new position. One of the major reasons for the Blues’ strong defense this campaign.
Toby Alderweireld (CB)
In the middle of the three-man backline will be Tottenham ace Toby Alderweireld. The 28-year old Belgian is by far one of the best defenders in the league and has had a big hand in Spurs maintaining the best defensive record in the league.
David Luiz (CB)
Laughed off as a disaster buy when signed by Chelsea in the summer, the Brazilian has defied his critics and detractors to emerge as a solid and steady customer at the back. Has improved boundlessly under Conte and was selected in the PFA Team of The Year as well. He edges out the likes of Jan Vertonghen and Gary Cahill.
Kyle Walker (RM)
Both Chelsea and Tottenham have had probably the best wing-backs in their ranks. But it is Kyle Walker who walks into the line-up ahead of Victor Moses owing to his consistency.
N’Golo Kante (CM)
This one picks itself really. After having led Leicester City to a title triumph last season, the Frenchman looks all set to do it again with Chelsea. Has made a major impact with his workhorse attitude in the middle of the park. Has been nominated for the PFA Player of the Year award too.
Mousa Dembele (CM)
While Nemanja Matic, Cesc Fabregas, and Victor Wanyama have done a good job this season, it is Mousa Dembele who makes it to the combined XI. The Belgian has developed into one of the most powerful midfielders with great technical abilities and has been the driving force for Spurs.
Danny Rose (LM)
He may not have played for close to two months now, but the fact that he still made it to the Team of The Year shows how brilliant he was this season before getting injured. Marcos Alonso has had an excellent first campaign with Chelsea as well, but it is Rose who keeps him out of this line-up.
Dele Alli (RAM)
Arguably the best English midfielder in the country, the 20-year old has come leaps and bounds since his debut season last year. 19 goals and 11 assists over the course of the season, at his age, are some exemplary returns.
Eden Hazard (LAM)
Another huge contender for the PFA Player of the Year award, the Belgian has bounced back after a poor season last time around and how! Has been Chelsea’s major attacking threat over the course of the season and has found the back of the net 14 times, along with 6 assists.
Harry Kane (ST)
The second-highest goalscorer in the Premier League with 20 goals, despite missing a good chunk of games due to injury. That, combined with 5 more strikes in the Champions League and FA Cup combined, demonstrate his natural ability to find the back of the net. Easily better than Diego Costa of Chelsea.