Manchester City vs Chelsea: Star-studded combined XI featuring 7 Cityzens and 4 Blues
The champions of England take on the aspirants, Manchester City, on Sunday at the Etihad Stadium. While one side is inching closer to the title, the other has faltered and is fighting a battle for the top four. Apart from the heat of the clash like any other Manchester City v Chelsea outing, the Blues’ desperation to win it after three defeats in their last four matches further increases the intensity of this contest.
The Blues come into this game under immense pressure whereas the home side will be looking to continue their unbeatable home form. They will be riding high on confidence, especially after winning the League Cup. However, the battle will be nothing but intriguing and feisty as the Blues are defensively compact and powerful on the counter.
Here’s a combined lineup featuring stars from both Manchester City and Chelsea.
Formation – 4-3-3
GK: Ederson
The golden glove contender will perform the duties in goal. He boasts of the second highest save percentage in the league and without a doubt, the best passing and distribution rate.
RB: Danilo
Danilo is disciplined, keeps his feet sorted and defends calmly. He shuts attacks before they grow and offers a fine bit when going forward, with his crossing and overlapping runs.
CB: Cesar Azpilicueta
The most reliable centre-back, probably the best in the Premier League. Azpilicueta is unbreakable at the back as he covers the ground, has the positional awareness and is the sharpest tackler around.
CB: Nicolas Otamendi
Otamendi, surely, features in this lineup. The Argentine has shown robustness, class and composure at the back.
LB: Marcos Alonso
Despite recent struggles, Alonso has been a vital figure for the Blues. He expresses himself in the attack, whips them in with venom and is a spirited shooter. Defensively too, he is not afraid to tackle and gets on with it.
RCM: Kevin De Bruyne
De Bruyne is often all over the field when on song. He links up the play, increases the range of creativity, picks the most unreal passes and eyes the top corners whenever he’s given a chance.
CM: N’Golo Kante
No other player in the PL has more interceptions than N’Golo Kante and rightfully so, he features in this combined XI. He is quick, agile, reads the situations well and is very productive with the ball.
LCM: David Silva
Despite his personal issues, Silva has stepped up for his manager whenever called upon. With 6 goals and 10 assists this term already, it is quite clear that the Spaniard is a match winner.
RW: Leroy Sané
In terms of recent form, Sane is right up there. He drives forward with pace, is sharp with his feet and takes his chances convincingly.
LW: Eden Hazard
Hazard is easily Chelsea’s best forward. The Belgian is their top scorer and creator this season. Against the league leaders, he has four goals and four assists in his last seven appearances.
ST: Sergio Agüero
Another season, another 30 goals for Sergio Agüero. The forward has been in top form, is dribbling well, getting into key positions and complementing his fellow forwards.