Chelsea look to get more comfortable in their race for the top four by taking points of the team above them in third. As it is another big game for all parties involved, here is another combined XI.
The reverse fixture saw Chelsea score their first goal in the Premier League under Frank Lampard. It was a special one for Mason Mount, as he was the scorer that day. Unfortunately, he could not get past a fellow English midfielder into the combined XI, which sets up as a 4-3-1-2 since Leicester City does not really use out-and-out wingers.
Goalkeeper: Kasper Schmeichel (Leicester City)
It should come as no surprise that any other Premier League goalkeeper would get into a combined XI over Kepa Arrizabalaga. For a goalkeeper who does not face many shots per game, Arrizabalaga sure concedes a lot of goals he shouldn’t. Another worrying thing is that he often finds himself getting a hand to the ball, yet the ball still goes into the net. Schmeichel is a more reliable selection between the sticks. Easy.
Right back: Ricardo Pereira (Leicester City)
That Cesar Azpilicueta and Reece James don’t get into this line-up is not a statement on how bad they are, it’s just an indication that Pereira offers a lot more than either Blue.
Pereira has the pace to get forward and the awareness to still get back in position when needed. Azpilicueta does not have the pace to get forward as often as many would like and Reece James often lacks the awareness to see to his defensive duties. By the way, Pereira has made a league-high 103 tackles this season.
Center back: Kurt Zouma (Chelsea)
Kurt Zouma has easily been Chelsea’s best centerback this season. He has also been the most consistent of all Chelsea’s center backs so far. His partner center backs often roam, leaving him to defend 2-3 attackers all by himself.
Zouma’s reading of the game coupled with his excellent positioning means he rarely finds himself in lose-lose situations. He does not dive into tackles, yet at the same time he is not afraid to make a tackle, even at the risk of causing a penalty.
Center back: Caglar Soyuncu (Leicester City)
Caglar Soyuncu has done well for someone who was relatively unknown and had to step into Harry Maguire’s boots. He is at the heart of a defense that has Leicester City comfortably sitting in the league table behind Liverpool and Manchester City. He has contributed to a stunning eight clean sheets, bettered only by Virgil Van Dijk.
Left back: Marcos Alonso (Chelsea)
It may be shocking to Marcos see Alonso get in over Ben Chilwell, but not only does Alonso have more interceptions and tackles per game, Alonso’s ability to get into goal scoring positions and link-up with wingers are qualities any team could use.