Manchester City vs Chelsea: Combined XI

In what has been an intriguing Premier League season, one of the biggest shocks has been the form of Chelsea. When Frank Lampard was brought in as the manager, there were a lot of people questioning his ability, due to his lack of experience at the top level. Moreover, Eden Hazard's departure and the transfer ban on the club made his job harder. 12 games later, the Blues sit third on the table with 26 points.Trailing them by one point is Manchester City. If Chelsea's season has been unusually positive, City's title defence has been rough so far. A loss at Anfield two weeks ago has left the Cityzens nine points adrift of the league leaders, Liverpool, and they will be hosting Lampard's men at the Etihad on Saturday night. It promises to be the most exciting game of the weekend, with Chelsea looking to continue their impressive run, and City aiming to get back on track.Here, we take a look at the best players in both these talented teams as we make a combined XI of Chelsea and Manchester City.Note - Only performances from this season are considered. Therefore, if the player has been injured for a long time/has played fewer minutes, he will not be a part of this team.Goalkeeper - EdersonEderson is one of the three best goalkeepers in the Premier LeagueAlthough Kepa Arrizabalaga has been improving in front of the sticks for Chelsea, Ederson is still the superior goalkeeper. The Brazilian has been his usual, dominant self this season in front of Manchester City's goal, and his distribution is essential to how his team functions.Ederson's loss was felt by the Cityzens when they visited Anfield, as fans felt that he would have done more about Liverpool's second and third goal of the game than his replacement Claudio Bravo did. He should be fit for this game though, and Pep Guardiola will be pleased about that.DefenceRight-back - Kyle WalkerLiverpool FC v Manchester City - Premier LeagueKyle Walker may not be the best version of himself right now, but he is definitely better than his Chelsea counterparts. Cesar Azpilicueta is older and not quite as agile anymore. Although the Spaniard is a better one on one defender, Walker is the better overall fullback at the moment.The England international had a game to forget at Anfield and he will be looking to get back to his best against Chelsea. He faces a tough assignment, but Walker has proven his mettle before and he will be up for a challenge.Center-back - FernandinhoFernandinho is a versatile player who has been doing well in his makeshift roleYes, Fernandinho is not traditionally a center-back. The defensive midfielder has been thrust into the role due to the absence of Aymeric Laporte and due to the poor form of Nicolas Otamendi.However, the 34-year-old has been doing a commendable job at the back for his team, and put in a decent performance at Anfield despite his team's loss. He just makes the cut over Kurt Zouma, who scored an own goal earlier this season and is yet to be back to his best.Fernandinho averages 1.6 tackles, 1 block, and 3 clearances per game. His reading of the game is immense, and he should have a crucial role to play in this upcoming game.Centre-back - Fikayo TomoriChelsea FC v AFC Ajax: Group H - UEFA Champions LeagueFikayo Tomori has been one of the best players for Chelsea this season. Under Lampard, the defender has really shined and he easily makes his way onto this list.Just 21 years old, the England international's impressive performances this season earned him a call-up to his national team. Tomori averages 2 interceptions, 2.6 tackles and 2.4 clearances per game. He has impressed in both the Champions League and the Premier League, and this game will be a great test for him as he faces the likes of Sergio Aguero and Raheem Sterling.Left-back - Emerson PalmieriWatford FC v Chelsea FC - Premier LeagueEmerson is yet another defender whose game has improved a lot this season. The left-back is now a starter for the Chelsea team, and he has been putting in some great all-round performances for the Blues this season.Completing over 86% of his passes, the Italian international also averages 2.6 tackles, 1.7 interceptions, and 1 clearance per game. The 25-year-old is disciplined and a hard worker, and he makes this team over his Manchester City counterparts with relative ease.

Manchester City vs Chelsea: Combined XI

Attack

Forward - Sergio Aguero

Forward - Tammy Abraham