Shoot’s Chelsea vs Man City Combined XI

This Saturday’s evening Premier League kick-off (5.30pm) sees fourth placed Chelsea take on leaders Manchester City at Stamford Bridge.

The hosts come into the game on the back of defeat against Wolves on Wednesday, where they surrendered a 1-0 lead to lose 2-1.

Despite their last result, the Blues have looked resurgent since the arrival of Maurizio Sarri in the summer.

With Eden Hazard seemingly back to his best and new-man Jorginho keeping the side ticking over in midfield, the West London outfit seemed serious title contenders during a 12-match unbeaten run in the Premier League.

But looking to become the first team to successfully defend the top-flight crown in nearly a decade are Manchester City, who currently sit 10 points ahead of their opponents.

Pep Guardiola’s men beat Watford 2-1 in midweek to make it seven straight league wins and tighten their grip on top spot.

The last time these two sides met was in August, when City won 2-0 courtesy of a Sergio Aguero brace to clinch the Community Shield at Wembley Stadium.

A win for Chelsea would see them close the gap on their visitors to seven points but three points for the Cityzens would surely end Sarri’s side’s slim title hopes and would put them on to 44 points out of a possible 48.

Ahead of the big match, Shoot has put together our very own Chelsea-Manchester City combined XI.
Do you agree with our selection? Or, who do you think we have missed out?

Comment below with your tactical suggestions!

*The combined XI follows a traditional 4-3-3 formation and includes ALL players from either squad.*

GOALKEEPER: EDERSON (MANCHESTER CITY)

Brought in from Benfica in the summer of 2017, Ederson has established himself as one of the best goalkeepers in the top-flight.

Having gained a reputation for his ability to play out from the back while still possessing all of the traits required to pull off heroic saves, the Brazilian has eight clean sheets this season – the second most in the league.

While Chelsea’s Kepa Arrizabalaga certainly hasn’t had a bad start to life in the Premier League, it’s City’s man between the sticks who gets the nod in our combined XI.

RIGHT-BACK: CESAR AZPILICUETA (CHELSEA)

Impressing each manager at Stamford Bridge during the last six years, Azpilicueta has shown his versatility by playing anywhere along the backline while retaining composure on the ball and an exceptional reading of the game.

Having been named club captain at the start of the season and recently signing a new four-year deal, he narrowly beats Kyle Walker to the right-back spot.

CENTRE-BACK: AYMERIC LAPORTE (MANCHESTER CITY)

Picked ahead of Chelsea’s David Luiz and Antonio Rudiger, Laporte has taken to the Premier League like a duck to water following his arrival from Athletic Bilbao in the winter transfer window.

With a £57million price tag weighing on his shoulders, the Frenchman would have been forgiven for taking some time to adjust to the English game, but he has looked assured and confident when selected.

The 24-year-old has also proved a threat in the opponent’s box this term by notching three goals in all competitions.

CENTRE-BACK: JOHN STONES (MANCHESTER CITY)

It was Stones and Laporte who helped City keep a clean sheet when the two sides met in the Community Shield in August, and both form the central defensive partnership for our XI.

The England man epitomises the way Guardiola wants his sides to play. Still only 24, he has natural ability on the ball and a fine range of passing.

While his decision making has sometimes been called into question, the ex-Everton star still has plenty of time to iron out the small mistakes in his game and realise his undoubted potential.

LEFT-BACK: MARCOS ALONSO (CHELSEA)

Occupying the final spot in our combined XI’s defence is fantasy football favourite Marcos Alonso.

A left-back by trade, the Spain international is the archetype of the modern day full-back. With one goal and three assists this term, the 27-year-old is known for his energy and creativity down Chelsea’s left side – regularly making key contributions.

When fit, Manchester City’s Benjamin Mendy has the ability to wreak havoc for any opponent, but he’s not so the Blues man easily makes the cut.

CENTRAL MIDFIELD: N’GOLO KANTE (CHELSEA)

Signed for £32million in the summer of 2016, that price now looks like a snip as the Frenchman has blossomed into one of the world’s best defensive midfielders.

In more of an attacking role this season under Sarri, many have argued that the World Cup winner’s strengths lie in front of the back-four with his ability to do the simple things well helping his country to victory in Russia.

Manchester City’s Fernandinho has every right to feel hard done by that he is not in our XI, and he probably would be if his counterpart was anyone other than the ex-Leicester City star.

CENTRAL MIDFIELD: BERNARDO SILVA (MANCHESTER CITY)

Now in his second season with the club, City’s playmaker Bernardo Silva really does seem to have his feet under the table now at the Etihad.

With four goals and three assists already this season, his intricate dribbling and eye for a killer pass make him a dream for any striker to play in front of.

Having scored the winner when these two sides last met in the league, the Portuguese’s creativity could prove too much for Chelsea to handle.

ATTACKING MIDFIELD: DAVID SILVA (MANCHESTER CITY)

With City possessing arguably the best attacking midfielder in the league, this position almost picks itself.

At his best, David Silva can be seen picking holes in defences at will and create moments of magic that only the very best can produce.

After 262 league appearances for the club he joined in 2010, City’s classy Spaniard has been an outstanding servant for the Citizens and does not show any signs of slowing up, which makes him a must-have for our combined XI.

LEFT FORWARD: LEROY SANE (MANCHESTER CITY)

Included due to Sergio Aguero’s injury which has seen us move Eden Hazard further up the pitch, the Germany international originally had a great case to be selected with his impressive recent form.

Following a slow start to the campaign, the 22-year-old has got back to the kind of form which saw him pick up last season’s PFA Young Player of the Year Award by scoring six goals and laying on another six in his last eight Premier League starts.

Blessed with unbelievable pace, skill and, most importantly, a final ball, Sane would cause havoc with his movement alongside our two other forwards.

RIGHT FORWARD: RAHEEM STERLING (MANCHESTER CITY)

After a tough first couple of seasons at the Etihad, Sterling seems to have had a complete resurgence under Pep Guardiola.

City’s number seven has added an end product to his game under the Spaniard’s stewardship and with eight goals and six assists after just 12 appearances this season, he is now a key cog in the wheel for the champions.

Turning 24 on Saturday, the England international looks to have a bright future ahead of him if this level of performance is maintained.

STRIKER: EDEN HAZARD (CHELSEA)

Despite ongoing rumours of a potential move to Real Madrid, Hazard is now in his seventh season with Chelsea and continues to be the jewel in their crown.

Gifted with pace, trickery and an eye for goal, the little Belgian has the ability to hurt any defence providing he is on his a-game.

Given the impressive form of City’s Leroy Sane in recent weeks and the injury to Sergio Aguero we thought that the 27-year-old is so good that he would be able to lead the line and open up a space for the German.