This weekend’s Premier League action will see one of the most highly anticipated clashes of the season take place, as Chelsea host Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge.
Both the clubs are desperately vying for a place in next season’s Champions League, which, to use a cliche, makes it a six-pointer.
Even though hosts Chelsea trail their weekend opponent by a considerable five-point margin, a win for the Blues could take them one step closer as they aim to secure the fourth spot come the end of the season.
Tottenham, on the other hand, are in superb form and will be searching for their fifth consecutive win in the Premier League this weekend. With talks of Harry Kane returning to full-fitness by the end of the week, it will be interesting to see how the Lilywhites stack up against the defending champions.
Before all that transpires, let us take a look at the combined XI of these two Premier League giants.
Formation
We will pick Chelsea’s 3-4-2-1 formation, as both the sides are expected to start with a three-man backline this weekend. Mauricio Pochettino, who normally likes to play with a 4-2-3-1 might have to revert to a three-man backline, in order to mirror Chelsea’s 3-4-2-1.
Defence
Hugo Lloris of Tottenham Hotspur should be given the nod ahead of Chelsea’s Thibaut Courtois. The Frenchman has been in splendid form this season and will play a pivotal role for the visitors this weekend.
In defence, Chelsea’s experienced defender Cesar Azpilicueta will partner alongside Tottenham skipper Jan Vertonghen in central defence. Both the players have been excellent for their respective teams, over the last couple of years and will play a significant role this weekend. Andreas Christensen will complete the defensive trio.
Elsewhere, Serge Aurier is an easy pick as the right wing-back while Marcos Alonso of Chelsea should be given the nod over Spurs’ Ben Davies on the other flank.
Midfield
Things ought to get tricky in midfield, especially when it comes to choosing a combined lineup between two of the Premier League’s heavyweights.
However, N’Golo Kante is a sure starter. The Frenchman has been excellent since joining the Blues. He will partner Tottenham’s midfield maestro Mousa Dembele.
Attack
In attack, we will have to pick Alvaro Morata, largely because of the fact that there’s no concrete report regarding Harry Kane’s full fitness. Even though the Spaniard has struggled since moving to the Premier League, he can be a threat to any defence in the world, when he’s in full-flow.
Eden Hazard and Christian Eriksen will be the men providing the creativity, just behind the main striker.
