Chelsea vs Tottenham Hotspur: Combined XI Featuring 3 Blues and 8 Spurs
In one of the more exciting fixtures that the Premier League is set to offer us this weekend, Chelsea face Tottenham Hotspur in the London Derby at the Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
It is a match that will have major repercussions on how the top four of the Premier League would shape up. Chelsea currently sit 5th in the table, five points below Spurs. A win on Sunday will see them close down the gap and keep their hopes of a top-four finish alive.
On the other hand, Tottenham are two points behind third-placed Liverpool and will be looking to keep the pressure on the Reds with a victory at the Bridge.
Ahead of the big game, here we pick a combined line-up featuring top players from both the teams, based on recent form and performances (injured and suspended players not considered).
Combined XI – Chelsea vs Tottenham
Hugo Lloris (GK)
Thibaut Courtois and Hugo Lloris are two of the best keepers in the Premier League. However, it is the Frenchman who edges out Chelsea’s Belgian star owing to recent form and the fact that Lloris has conceded fewer goals this term in the Premier League.
Cesar Azpilicueta (CB)
One of the best centre-halves in the Premier League, Cesar Azpilicueta has once again been exceptional for Chelsea, with his awareness and positioning at the back, coupled with his ability to hit accurate passes from deep. An easy pick.
Davinson Sanchez (CB)
With Toby Alderweireld spending most of the season out injured, the onus was on summer signing Davinson Sanchez to deliver for Tottenham and he’s done it brilliantly. The Colombian has had a wonderful debut campaign in the Premier League, by virtue of which he makes it to our combined lineup.
Jan Vertonghen (CB)
The third centre-half in our lineup is Jan Vertonghen. The Belgian international has once again been rock solid at the back for Tottenham and the way he has helped his younger teammate settle down comfortably is admirable.
Kieran Trippier (RWB)
Emerging from the shadows of Kyle Walker, Kieran Trippier has shown he is right up there with the best in the league. Handy going forward, sound and steady at the back, he is an easy pick over Davide Zappacosta and Victor Moses.
N’Golo Kante (CM)
Chelsea might not have been at the same level as they were last season but the diminutive Frenchman continues to perform at the same level week in week out, game after game. His energy and the assurance he brings to the table with his presence in the middle make him an invaluable asset.
Mousa Dembele (CM)
Not always given the due credit he deserves, the Belgian international has been at the heart of most of Tottenham’s brilliant displays this term. His ability to win the ball and drive his team forward from the midfield make him a vital cog in Spurs’ engine room and hence he gets the nod in this lineup.
Ben Davies (LWB)
Both Marcos Alonso and Ben Davies have been consistently good this term but it is Tottenham’s Welsh international who makes the cut owing to the extra defensive reliability that he brings to the table than the Spaniard.
Willian (RAM)
Both teams are blessed with some brilliant attackers in the form of Dele Alli, Eden Hazard, Lucas Moura etc., but it is Willian who makes it to this combined XI based on his recent form and displays. The Brazilian has 13 goals and 11 assists in all competitions this term and has been Chelsea’s brightest spot in recent games.
Christian Eriksen (LAM)
The second attacking midfield spot goes to Tottenham’s Christian Eriksen. The Dane continues to be an instrumental figure for the Lilywhites and has chipped in with 11 goals and 10 assists in the 2017/18 campaign.
Son Heung-Min (CF)
If Harry Kane was fit, we all know his name would be here. However, with the England international out due to an injury, the centre-forward spot in this lineup falls to Tottenham’s Son Heung-min.
The 25-year old is enjoying his finest campaign for Spurs, notching up 18 goals in all competitions, and has filled in for Kane during his absence. With Alvaro Morata and Olivier Giroud struggling for goals of late for Chelsea, it is another easy selection.