Chelsea vs Man City combined XI: Blues at the back, Citizens at the front
Here’s a look at the combined XI between Chelsea and Manchester City ahead of their clash at Stamford Bridge on Thursday.
Rest is only for the wicked in the Premier League. Especially for Chelsea, as the Blues are thrown straight back into the deep end with a mouth-watering clash against Manchester City at Stamford Bridge on Thursday, just days after narrowly overcoming Aston Villa.
Frank Lampard went toe-to-toe in his previous encounter with Pep Guardiola last November, taking the lead through N’Golo Kante in an enthralling battle at the Etihad. City snapped back with two quick fire goals to seal the three points. The Citizens look to pick up where they left off in a demolition of Arsenal last week. Surprisingly, it is Chelsea who makes up the majority of the defence in this combined XI; unsurprisingly, City names litter the attack.
Goalkeeper: Ederson, Manchester City
This was the simplest selection decision considering the array of outfield talent fielded by both sides. Ederson and Kepa Arrizabalaga have made almost exactly the same number of appearances in the league, yet the Brazilians clean sheet and goals conceded tally is far superior to the Spaniards. Neither have been blessed with a solid back four, however, Ederson continues to reassure whereas Kepa continues to concern.
Right back: Cesar Azpilicueta, Chelsea
Since Azpilicueta’s arrival in England eight years ago, few players have demonstrated consistency like the Chelsea skipper, a downfall for his counterpart, Kyle Walker. Although the latter has shown on his day he can be the best right back in the league, Walker cannot match the reliability of Azpilicueta. Nor his more recent ability to assist, after the selected grabbed two against Villa, the captain’s fourth and fifth of the campaign.
Centre back: Antonio Rudiger, Chelsea
A sigh of relief rang around Cobham when Rudiger returned to full fitness in December as an early Christmas present for his manager. What a present it turned out to be; the Blues have lost just five matches since the German came back to martial the inexperienced defence. Yet, he has been unable to fully rid the mistakes of his centreback partner, be it Kurt Zouma or Andreas Christensen.
Centreback: Aymeric Laporte, Manchester City
If you think Chelsea were happy to see Rudiger restored, then City’s adulation for Laporte’s recovery would have gone through the roof. Although his reoccurring absence is not the only catalyst for City’s failed defence of the title, the presence of the Frenchman would certainly have boosted Guardiola’s fight against Liverpool. His makeshift replacement, Fernandinho, has done an admirable job. However, he lacks the natural positioning and more pressingly, the left foot of Laporte, which has unbalanced City on many occasions.
Left back: Marcos Alonso, Chelsea
Left back has also caused a minor headache, not for the overriding quality, but for the lack of it. Benjamin Mendy has never truly fulfilled his potential, whilst Joao Cancelo has virtually been non-existent. Emerson emerged initially as first choice for Lampard, but gradually Marcos Alonso moved himself back into fray. He can certainly strike a ball; his delivery is expert at times and he has the benefit of being able to play as wing-back alongside his natural position.