Defending champions Manchester City host third-placed Chelsea at the Etihad on Saturday.
Nothing short of a victory could ease the pressure for Pep Guardiola and his City side, who lost their last game 3-1 to league leaders Liverpool.
Any more slip-ups could dent City’s hope of retaining their title, as they are already behind the Reds by nine points.
Meanwhile, Frank Lampard’s young Chelsea have won six matches in a row and would be eager to continue their good run of form when they visit Manchester.
Now let us take a look at the combined lineup featuring stars from both sides.
The Brazilian has been one of the best goalkeepers this season. The City custodian has 5 clean sheets to his name and has conceded just 10 goals in 11 matches.
With impressive figures of 14 interceptions, 28 tackles and as many clearances, the Spaniard is an experienced customer. He has also been one of the most consistent right-backs in the league for over eight years.
The 25-year old Blues defender has repaid his manager’s faith in him and has established himself as a regular in the side. Zouma has won 47 aerial battles and 50 clearances, which further enhances his position.
One of the picks of the season, this Chelsea academy product has matured into a key player and has formed a formidable partnership with Zouma in the Blues defence.
With City full-back Oleksandr Zinchenko out due to injury, Alonso gets the left-back spot. The Spaniard has two assists, one goal and 24 crosses to his credit from 7 appearances.
A vital figure in Lampard’s midfield this season, the Italian has cemented his place in the Blues squad. The defensive midfielder links up the play with ease, and has two assists and one goal under his belt.
The Croatian, with his speedy runs and dribbles, has been instrumental in helping Chelsea’s midfield function with fluidity. Has appeared in all the league games under Lampard.
The City playmaker is the league’s leading assist provider, with 9 to his name. The Belgian attacking midfielder has also scored 2 goals, signifying his importance in any lineup.
With Bernardo Silva suspended, Mahrez gets the nod for the right-wing position. The Algerian has improved immensely under Guardiola and has given Silva healthy competition for a starting place in the City lineup.
Undoubtedly one of the best in the business at the moment, Sterling is City’s second top goalscorer with seven goals. Has been excellent recently for both club and country alike.
The league’s second-highest goalscorer behind Jamie Vardy, the 22-year old has found the back of the net 10 times and seems to be in the form of his life. His recent displays in the league earned him a national team call-up.
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