Chelsea vs Tottenham Hotspur - Combined XI

Chelsea travel across London to take on rivals Tottenham Hotspur in a Super Sunday clash in the Premier League. The early kickoff will see Mauricio Pochettino’s team, who have lost just once this season, take on a struggling Jose Mourinho side who have more than half their games already after 13 rounds. Tottenham have been a resolute side ever since the opening day loss at Old Trafford, but a number of draws have slowed their progress to the top four and they currently lie in fifth place. Meanwhile, Chelsea’s struggles see them in the bottom half of the table in 15th place with a negative goal difference. So which players would make it into a combined XI of both teams this season based on current form and availability?Fomation: 4-2-3-1

#1 Goalkeeper

With Thibaut Courtois out of the picture as he recuperates from a knee injury suffered earlier this season, there is none other than Hugo Lloris who get selected in this XI. Although Asmir Begovic has stepped up for the Blues, he hasn’t done enough to warrant a permanent spot in Chelsea’s starting XI. Mourinho will take the first opportunity to bench him once Courtois is fit and raring to go.

Spurs captain Lloris has been solid at the back for the Lilywhites and has kept 4 clean sheets thus far. The French goalkeeper did an admirable job of keeping out the likes of Manchester City in the 4-1 win, conceding just once from 8 shots on target while also keeping a clean sheet against a resurgent Liverpool.

On the other hand, Begovic has looked lost at times in the six-yard box and has failed to marshall the defence when required. The Blues have already conceded 23 goals this season – only teams in the relegation zone have conceded more.

#2 Defence

At right-back, Chelsea’s Branislav Ivanovic has been poor this season and is nowhere close to the form he showed in the last couple of seasons. He has been the weakest link in defence and Kyle Walker easily gets the nod.

Barring the unfortunate own goal on the opening weekend, Walker has put in a decent shift at the back and has averaged 2.8 tackles and 3.2 interceptions per game in the Premier League. In attack, he has also averaged 26 accurate long balls this season. In contrast, Ivanovic has only averaged half his interceptions as he struggles against quick players on the flank.

With neither John Terry nor Gary Cahill impressing this season, 21-year-old Kurt Zouma has been the only centre-back to impress for Mourinho. The youngster seems to be having a breakthrough season this campaign as he looks to seal a spot in the starting lineup with Terry not getting any younger.

A lot is expected of the Frenchman and his threat on set-pieces and aerial duels is also an added advantage.

Pairing up with Zouma is Spurs centre-back Toby Alderweireld. The Belgian centre-back has been a key member of the Tottenham back-line this season having played every minute this season. The 26-year-old has averaged 7.3 clearances this season – one of the highest in the league.

Alderweireld has also popped up with two goals so far this season – against Manchester City and, most recently, against West Ham in a 4-1 win in a London derby.

For the left-back spot, Mourinho’s favourite player Cesar Azpilicueta gets in ahead of Danny Rose. The Spanish full-back has averaged 2.5 interceptions per game for the Blues and has been one of few shining lights in a forgetful campaign so far. He also averages more crosses and long balls per game than Rose.

#3 Midfield

Mousa Dembele fills in for one of the midfield pivots in this XI. The Belgian midfielder seems to have found his feet again under Pochettino and has been a rock at the base of Tottenham’s midfield, thwarting opponents while simultaneously initiating attacks from inside their own half.

Dembele has averaged 4 tackles and 1.7 interceptions per game in the league so far. His 87.7% pass success rate has also been pivotal in maintaining possession and cycling the ball from defence to attack and flank to flank. His two goals also give him an advantage.

Alongside Dembele is Chelsea midfielder Ramires. The Brazilian has shown promise with both Nemanja Matic and Cesc Fabregas failing to make an impact in the middle of the park.

Mourinho has turned to him time and again to make runs and carry the ball forward with his runs and energetic dribbling skills. The 28-year-old also has a lethal right foot and his ability to link up with the attack saw him score early against Liverpool before the Blues capitulated.

In the central attacking midfielder’s position, there is only one clear choice. Players such as Fabregas and Oscar have either failed to live up to expectations or have been inconsistent. With Mourinho now experimenting with Hazard in that role, things seem to be looking up.

But Christian Eriksen has thrived in a central role this season and has been more effective there than when he was shunted out wide. The Danish midfielder has two goals and five assists in the league so far – more than Hazard, Oscar and Fabregas combined.

#4 Attack

There is no doubt that Willian has been Chelsea’s best player this season, even benching new signing Pedro in the process. The Brazilian’s goals have helped the Blues come within touching distance of the Round of 16 in the Champions League. What has made those goals more special is that they have come from dead ball situations.

He has perfected his free-kick technique this season and has given goalkeepers a tough time reading the trajectory of his delivery. Spurs will be mindful of not conceding any fouls in ‘Willian territory’ around the box, especially near the centre of the pitch.

South Korea’s Son Heung-Min slots in on the left of attacking midfield. The £22 million signing became the most expensive Asian player after his transfer and he has delivered for Spurs, especially in the Europa League.

He is a constant threat on the counter-attack and has the ability to play across all positions in attack, even playing as the centre forward in one game and banging in two goals in the process.

Tottenham’s Harry Kane is obviously the only choice for the striker’s role in this XI. Diego Costa has struggled to replicate last season’s form and has made the news for all the wrong reasons. Less said of Radamel Falcao, the better.

Although Kane took his time to get going this season, once he did there was no looking back. The Englishman is currently third in the top goalscorers list with eight goals, behind only Jamie Vardy (13) and Romelu Lukaku (9).

Tottenham Hotspur vs Chelsea – Combined XI

Substitutes: Begovic, Vertonghen, Rose, Dier, Alli, Lamela, Hazard