Picking a Combined Manchester City vs. Chelsea Premier League XI
Whatever stage of the season, title rivals facing each other always comes with significant appeal.
It's no different with Manchester City and Chelsea coming up against each other this weekend at the Etihad Stadium.
We're only into Week 2 of the 2015-16 season, yet already this game comes with big implications on the title race.
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Chelsea drew last week against Swansea City, a result that City bettered with their 3-0 demolition of West Bromwich Albion to complete the first round of games Monday.
A repeat performance Sunday, and City could find themselves five points clear of the champions already.
There's been plenty of debate heading into this game—some about football, some about issues off the pitch—with the usual questions asked, one of those being who would make it into a combined Chelsea-City XI.
There's talent totaling close to £1 billion in both squads, so the thought of them combining forces would be a frightening one for their rivals.
Whittling it down to just 11 players makes for a devastating lineup when we consider the firepower on offer, not to mention some of the Premier League's leading defensive talents.
Choosing from the players available for this weekend's clash—that means Thibaut Courtois doesn't feature because of his suspension—Bleacher Report picks a City-Chelsea XI.
NB: Our formation is 4-1-3-2.
Goalkeeper: Joe Hart
Out of City's No. 1 and Asmir Begovic, the England international takes it here. He is more experienced, knows what it's like to play at the highest level and has a superior all-round game to Begovic.
Chelsea's second choice is still a safe pair of hands, but he can't rival Hart.
Right-back: Pablo Zabaleta
The Argentinian missed out to Bacary Sagna on Monday night, but that one game doesn't change our view of him. Zabaleta is the superior right-back at Manchester City, and given the performance of Branislav Ivanovic against Swansea last Saturday, Zabaleta's probably the superior right-back in that debate, too
He's solid defensively and is a threat going forward.
Centre-back: Vincent Kompany
The City captain received plenty of criticism for his performances last season, and he'll be the first to admit 2014-15 wasn't good enough.
We expect plenty more from him, and with a clean sheet last week—not to mention a goal—he showed signs of returning to his best. He is a leader and physically imposing.
Centre-back: John Terry (c)
Not only would John Terry feature prominently in a City-Chelsea XI, he would also be captain.
No other player has personified the English spirit better in the past decade, with his commitment and leadership unrivaled. He's been the defender of his generation, and age shows no sign of catching up with him.
Left-back: Cesar Azpilicueta
It says plenty about Azpilicueta's talents that even when playing out of position, he's still one of the Premier League's best defenders. He's made the left-back position his own at Stamford Bridge, seeing off challenges from Ashley Cole and Filipe Luis.
He could do more in attack, but defensively he rarely puts a foot wrong and helps provide a solid foundation.
Defensive midfield: Nemanja Matic
In order to allow us to include as much attacking talent as possible, Matic might feel lonely by himself in defensive midfield. He is used to playing with Cesc Fabregas alongside him, but even as a lone star, Matic will be a force in the City-Chelsea XI.
He's the Premier League's leading defensive midfielder, and this team wouldn't be the same without him.
Attacking midfield: David Silva
Everything City do in attack runs through Silva, and it would be the same in this fantasy XI.
He's a wonderful talent, one who plays with a certain grace that makes watching football the pleasure it is. He's nifty in possession, creates space and has no trouble picking out team-mates or scoring goals.
Attacking midfield: Yaya Toure
Those who saw Toure in action against West Bromwich Albion on Monday were left in awe of his brilliance.
Given his imposing frame, we can often talk about the physical side of his game too much. That means his ability as a footballer can be overlooked, which it shouldn't. He's direct, is a goal threat and when he runs at defences, he creates panic.
Attacking midfield: Eden Hazard
Chelsea's best player, Hazard is probably the best player in this City-Chelsea XI, too. With Silva dropping a bit deeper than Hazard to pick up possession from Matic, it would give the Belgian licence to do what he does best in the final third.
He was the Premier League's most fouled player last season for good reason—few defenders can get near him without breaking the rules. With Toure, Silva and Hazard running at defences, it would be goals galore.
Striker: Diego Costa
When fit, is there a better out-and-out striker in world football than Diego Costa? He scored 20 goals in 26 league matches last term, and this season we're expecting more.
He likes to dabble in the dark arts of the game, but he's a major threat when in possession. Off the ball, Costa's movement is excellent, too, linking up well with the midfield to create openings and, with it, goals.
Striker: Sergio Aguero
A real predator, Aguero would complement Diego Costa's abilities up front. With his smaller frame, he operates differently than the Spain international, yet the outcome is always the same: goals.
Such is Aguero's talent; he's one of the few players in the Premier League who would walk into the lineup of any of the 20 teams. He's there for the big moments and rarely misses an opportunity.
The bench
Begovic, Ivanovic, Fabregas, Willian, Samir Nasri, Raheem Sterling, Loic Remy.
Garry Hayes is Bleacher Report's lead Chelsea correspondent. All quotes were obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. Follow him on Twitter @garryhayes
