Man City vs Chelsea: Star-studded combined XI featuring 6 Cityzens and 5 Blues
Chelsea are coming into this match on the back of a confidence-inducing 5-0 thrashing of bottom side Huddersfield Town. They will be hoping to get the win at the Etihad to ensure they maintain control over 4th place, with Arsenal and United hot on their tail.
Manchester City will have to overcome a tough test against this strong Chelsea side in their bid to keep up with Liverpool’s pace as they try to leapfrog the Merseyside club eventually.
This could be one of the many stumbling blocks that Pep’s men face and if they overcome this fixture, then Liverpool will probably have to be perfect for the remainder of the season to keep this team quiet.
Here’s a team including match-fit players from both sides based purely on form:
Combined XI
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Manager: Pep Guardiola
GK – Kepa Arizzabalaga
Both goalkeepers have been solid this season but with the Spaniard edging Ederson on both clean sheets and saves, he takes the goalkeeping spot in this team.
RB – Kyle Walker
Definitely the most potent attacking right-back in the league, Walker has been a revelation for City since his move from Spurs.
LCB – Aymeric Laporte
Has enough versatility to give Joshua Kimmich a run for his money. Laporte has been supreme in the City back-line this season.
RCB – Antonio Rudiger
The German has been a rock at the back for Chelsea and unlike his partner Luiz, has been very consistent as well in the middle.
LB – Marcos Alonso
With Danilo often deputising in this role, the Spaniard takes the left-back position due to his balanced attributes in this star-studded line-up.
RCM – N’Golo Kante
The French World Cup winner has been decent in his new position but will easily walk into any midfield, no questions asked.
LCM – Fernandinho
The Brazilian midfield destroyer will be the perfect partner for N’Golo Kante as their distribution and defensive positioning will make this team unstoppable.
RAM – Raheem Sterling
The English speedster has been excellent all season and is having an excellent scoring season as well, which wins him a place in this squad.
CAM – David Silva
The Spanish maestro has been getting better over the years and with his experience and class, he is assured of a spot on this team.
LAM – Eden Hazard
As much as Leroy Sané deserves to be in this team, he’d never get a shout with the brilliant Belgian around. Hazard can walk into any team in the world and make them better.
ST – Sergio Aguero
The undisputed best striker in the Premier League, Aguero’s consistency is what sets him apart from the others, including Higuain who still has a lot to prove.
