Chelsea vs Manchester City — Combined XI | FA Cup 2020/21

Midfield: Ilkay Gundogan, N'Golo Kante, Kevin De Bruyne

Manchester City v Borussia Dortmund - UEFA Champions League Quarter Final: Leg One

There was little doubt over Ilkay Gundogan and Kevin De Bruyne's places in this XI. Manchester City's devastating midfield duo have been vital to their campaigns in England and in the UEFA Champions League so far.

Gundogan is enjoying his best-ever season in a Cityzens shirt as he's managed to step up during De Bruyne's absence and help City conquer the land. He's been a joy to watch on the ball, keeping things ticking for Guardiola's side and his ability going forward has been particularly impressive this season.

The German has racked up more goals than every other midfielder in the league bar Bruno Fernandes and has dominated midfields on his own this season. Gundogan was awarded the Man of the Match for a brilliant display against his former club Borussia Dortmund in the UCL quarter-finals. He's already been one of City's best players, and when he plays alongside De Bruyne, the leaders are nearly unstoppable.

15 – Not only is Ilkay Gündogan Manchester City’s top scorer this season with 15 goals, he is now the top scoring German player within the top five European leagues across all competitions in 2020-21. Whippy. pic.twitter.com/Bt9HdgMhNT

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) March 16, 2021

The Belgian has had a couple of injury scares which have seen him miss nine games, but he's still provided 11 assists with a further five goals for Guardiola's side in the league alone. The reigning PFA Player of the Year is regarded as one of the best in the world, and he is currently playing alongside one of the most in-form midfielders in Europe.

The Belgian and the German make it into this XI over Mason Mount despite the Englishman's incredible form for Chelsea. Mateo Kovacic is set to miss the game due to a hamstring injury, putting him out of contention.

20 - Kevin De Bruyne has now assisted 20 goals in all competitions this season for club and country (16 for @ManCity and 4 for @BelRedDevils). Machine. pic.twitter.com/A6cBZIlVnl

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) March 27, 2021

City's majestic midfield duo will be anchored in this XI by the brilliant N'Golo Kante. The Frenchman suffered due to a couple of injury issues over the last couple of years, missing a total of 31 games since the start of the 2019/20 campaign. However, he's seemingly put these issues behind him with a superb campaign so far.

Kante has registered a whopping 3.67 tackles, 2.56 blocks, and 2.65 interceptions per 90 in the league so far — his best figures since moving to Chelsea in 2015 — and has been one of the most impressive midfielders in England this year. He makes it into the side over the likes of Jorginho and Rodri Hernandez.

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