Chelsea and Manchester City combined XI: A Blue moon

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Chelsea’s English defender Ben Chilwell (L) tackles Manchester City’s Portuguese defender Joao Cancelo (R) during the English FA Cup semi-final football match between Chelsea and Manchester City at Wembley Stadium in north west London on April 17, 2021. (Photo by IAN WALTON/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /

Chelsea travels to Manchester City on Saturday for a dress rehearsal for the Champions League final. The Blues and Citizens will be squaring off for the second time in a matter of weeks before their highly anticipated bout on May 29. In preparation for the Premier League match, we’ve taken a look at both squads and pieced together a combined XI using a 4-3-3 formation:

Goalkeeper: Ederson, Manchester City

The goalkeeping position is probably the most difficult to choose. Edouard Mendy has been an absolute rock at the back for Chelsea and has made some match-winning saves. Similarly, Ederson has been magnificent, and he has been highly reliable in all aspects this season. The Brazilian’s distribution has been perfect this season and he even has a beautiful assist in the bank. He has initiated several counterattacks with his quick release of the ball. Moreover, he has eighteen clean sheets and has made a whopping 57 saves this season.

Right back: Joao Cancelo, Manchester City

Joao Cancelo has improved this season under Pep Guardiola. He has been one of his key players and even went through a purple patch in the middle when he keeps assisting goals and played in an advanced position due to City’s tactics. Chelsea’s right back and right wing-back positions have seen a lot of rotation, and hence, Cancelo makes this line-up.

Centerback: Ruben Dias, Manchester City

Ruben Dias has quietly established himself as one of the best centerbacks in the world. It is pretty surprising to see that he isn’t receiving the appreciation that players like Virgil van Dijk received with their performances. The Portuguese defender has kept 14 clean sheets in the Premier League this season and has been an influential figure in Manchester City’s impressive run. Guardiola finds himself within touching distance of the trophy, and Dias has been one of the most reliable players under him. While many Chelsea defenders have been magnificent in recent times, Dias just stands out as he has been remarkably consistent this season.

Centerback: Thiago Silva, Chelsea

Thiago Silva has been brilliant this season, despite missing out several times with injury. His performances have been flawless except for the mishap(s) against West Brom (both matches). Silva has started 20 games this season and has a total of 10 clean sheets, which is pretty impressive for a player that everyone wrote off at the beginning of the season. The Brazilian has proven (again) that age is just a number and has used his experience to full effect. There have been several occasions where Silva has read the situation well as forwards have tried to run past him. John Stones has been brilliant, as well, over at Manchester City, but Silva makes this XI due to the sheer impact his presence has made on Chelsea’s defence.

Left back: Ben Chilwell, Chelsea

Ben Chilwell arrived at Stamford Bridge as fans remained divided over the transfer. However, he was quick to shut down all critics as he put in some solid performances. With Frank Lampard’s departure mid-season, things looked uncertain for the Englishman as Thomas Tuchel arrived and introduced a system with wingbacks. Soon, it became clear that Marcos Alonso was more suited to the role as Chilwell seemed to struggle in the relatively new territory. However, the 24-year-old has worked his way back and finds himself as one of the first names on the teamsheet. Chilwell has been on a roll in recent games, and he has been one of Chelsea’s most consistent players in the past four to five games.

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