The Chelsea & Tottenham Mix N’ Match XI: Who makes the cut?
Published:In case you hadn’t noticed, Chelsea and Tottenham meet at Wembley this weekend in what should be an enthralling Emirates FA Cup Semi-Final.
The two sides have also dominated the Premier League title race this term, and this Saturday’s clash could have major implications for that too.
And with the London rivals filling eight spots in this season’s PFA Team of The Year, there’s no argument the two clubs are best in class right now.
But we’re upping the ante and have put together the best of both.
So, who makes our Chelsea and Tottenham Mix N’ Match XI? Read on to find out…
Goalkeeper
Hugo Lloris
There really is very little between Lloris and Thibaut Courtois for the number one jersey here.
But we’re going for the Tottenham stopper – who is also the club captain – having kept as many Premier League clean sheets as his Belgian rival, but in fewer games.
Defence
Cesar Azpilicueta
The Spaniard has been a star for Chelsea this season, playing more minutes for the Blues than anyone else. We’re really not sure how he isn’t in the PFA Team of the Year.
Kyle Walker
Walker has really emerged into a top right-back in recent years, and his performances this season have been superb.
Throw in six Premier League assists and the England international is doing the job for Spurs at both ends of the pitch.
David Luiz
Few expected Luiz’s return to Chelsea to go quite so well.
Out is the wayward and haphazard defender of old, and in is a calculated, disciplined centre-half who has played every minute of Chelsea’s last 29 league games.
Jan Vertonghen
It’s near impossible to pick either Vertonghen or Toby Alderweireld over the other, but we have.
Both are superb centre-halves, but Vertonghen’s return from injury has dovetailed with Spurs’ sensational run of form – and that is not a coincidence.
Midfield
N’Golo Kante
Who else but defensive maestro Kante?
The French international has picked up where he left off at Leicester City, and he continues to set the European benchmark for what is required from a defensive midfielder.
Dele Alli
With 19 goals and 11 assists in all competitions this year, Alli simply walks into this XI.
His finishing and movement have really taken Tottenham up a notch this season, and it’s so easy to forget he is still only 21-years-old.
Christian Eriksen
People are starting to talk about Christian Eriksen as a truly world-class midfielder and it’s not hard to see why.
The Danish star has scored 11 times this season, in addition to producing 18 assists for his team-mates. Superb numbers.
Eden Hazard
Hazard is back to his best this season, and 14 Premier League goals confirms as much.
No player is better at running with the ball at full pelt than the Belgian, although Tottenham will have learnt a lesson from Ander Herrera’s man-marking a week ago.
Attack
Harry Kane
Injuries have seen him miss a few games, but Harry Kane’s return of 20 goals from just 24 Premier League appearances is nothing short of superb.
The England international is improving year on year, and there’s no type of goal he isn’t capable of tucking away.
Diego Costa
Antonio Conte has arguably got more out of Diego Costa than any manager previously, and the Spaniard has been vital to Chelsea’s success this season.
For all his goal-scoring prowess, it’s been Costa’s link-up play which has allowed Chelsea to thrive this season.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing