Manchester City host Chelsea for Saturday’s game in the Premier League fixture at Etihad Stadium. Both the clubs will know their weaknesses and strength before they face each other in an all-English Champions League final.
Both the teams have a vast squad ranging from potential stars to proven performers. The squad depth in each squad gives them an edge over their competitors with the luxury of rotation in this tightly packed season, with no time to rest.
Here we will pick out the combined XI of the Manchester City vs Chelsea match based on the player’s overall performances this season in the league.
COMBINED XI OF CHELSEA AND MANCHESTER CITY:
We would be picking out the line-up with a 3-4-1-2 formation since both clubs defence has been better than the other side of the pitch.
Manager: Pep Guardiola
His reputation precedes him and has an impressive CV. He could be the only manager to be able to field such an XI and make the system work. He is the key of Manchester City winning Premier League title with no challenge.
Goalkeeper: Edouard Mendy
Tough one to chose but Edouard Mendy edges past the Brazilian international Ederson. Mendy has been a bargain for the Blues who snatched him from Rennes for a mere £22 million fee. The instant impact he has brought on to the Blues’ backline has been monumental.
Defenders: John Stones, Thiago Silva, and Ruben Dias
John Stones and Ruben Dias, centre-back pairing has been formidable and is clear winners over Andreas Christensen and Rudiger who have only impressed in the latter part of the season.
Thiago Silva gets the nod ahead over the pair because of his experience and his calm attitude which helped the Blues keep eighteen clean sheets. Watching him play displays the true meaning of the art of defence. Special mention to “AirZouma” for notching in five goals this season.
Wingbacks: Joao Cancelo and Ben Chilwell
Guardiola might start Joao Cancelo as a fullback but we all know how he loves going forward and his versatility in playing both sides of the pitch impress the Spanish coach.
Chelsea have been looking for a reliable left-back replacement since Ashley Cole. Ben Chilwell has provided five assists and scored two goals in his debut season. The former Leicester player has been a good signing for the West London club.
Midfield: N’Golo Kante and Mason Mount
An area which is well stocked for both the clubs for which they are proud. World-cup winner N’Golo Kante is an absolute must with neither Rodri nor Fernandinho outshining the french international.
Though llkay Gundogan is Manchester City’s top scorer, what the young England international have done for his boyhood club is no less. Mason Mount has created eleven big chances this season and has been outstanding. He’s slotted in six goals and provided five assists. His numbers could have been better only if the team had clinical strikers. His complete overall attacking and defending performances have been impressive. He is also a contender for this season’s TOTY.
Forwards: Phil Foden; Kevin Debruyne; Riyad Mahrez
Both the clubs lacking a reliable striker, with Pep managing to reach the UCL final and on the cusp of winning the title by playing Kevin De Bruyne as a false nine. The Belgian has provided eleven assists, even though he had a minor injury spell in between. His numbers have always been consistent and have shown to step up during big crucial moments repeatedly.
Phil Foden whom Guardiola claims to be the most talented player he has seen in his career has been in remarkable form. Truly valuable to their title run. Gareth Southgate has no choice but to start him for Euros as currently, he’s undroppable in Pep’s team.
Riyad Mahrez has appeared in 25 matches this season in Premier League scoring nine goals and providing four assists. The Algerian is flying under the radar, wrecking defences, and has been City’s third-best performer this season.
