Chelsea vs Manchester City - Combined XI | Premier League 2021-22

Defensive midfielder: N'Golo Kante (Chelsea)

Kante's defensive nous could be crucial in breaking down City's attacks.

Since bursting onto the scene with Leicester City in 2015, Chelsea's N'Golo Kante hasn't looked back. His rise to the limelight has been meteoric, making him one of the first names in the starting XI.

There can be little debate about his inclusion in this list. That's because the Frenchman is one the best in the world at what he does.

A dynamic player and an endless reservoir of energy, Kante is mostly known for his tireless runs. He is also key to breaking opposition plays while providing stoic cover for the backline.

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Defensive Midfielder: Jorginho (Chelsea)

Jorginho, UEFA's player of the year for the 2020/21 season, is key to Chelsea.

Rodri is a talented midfielder and could've made a strong case against most other sides. But a double pivot of Kante and Jorginho has worked wonders for Chelsea. That's why Jorginho gets the nod over the City player.

The 'double European champion' of the year, has lifted both the Champions League and Euro 2020 titles this summer. Il Professore combines his technical abilities with composure, intelligence and passing accuracy, making him indispensable in midfield.

Jorginho has also been crucial in breaking down opposition teams' possession, and is widely considered one of the best midfielders in the world. His prowess from the penalty spot is well-documented too.

Jorginho and Kante will have the Herculean task of keeping City's Kevin De Bruyne at bay on Saturday, though.

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Attacking Midfielder: Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City)

Manchester City will rely on De Bruyne's creative genius to unlock Chelsea.

This is another position that's always a lock whenever Manchester City are in action. That's because Kevin De Bruyne is arguably the best attacking midfielder in the game at the moment.

An ankle injury has hampered his start to the new campaign. But it's impossible to leave out the Belgian international, whose importance to Pep Guardiola's side remains as high as ever.

A prolific creator with an eye for goal, De Bruyne can pass the ball with the precision of a surgical knife. His crosses inside the box are second to none, and he can dribble his way through tight spaces with relative ease too.

Chelsea happen to be his second favourite side in the Premier League. He has scored four times against them. On his last visit to Stamford Bridge, he scored in City's 3-1 win.