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Best Combined XI: Chelsea v Tottenham

By Ryan Wrenn

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 02 : Son Heung-Min of Tottenham Hotspur scores a goal to make it 0-2 during the Barclays Premier League match between Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge on May 2, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 02 : Son Heung-Min of Tottenham Hotspur scores a goal to make it 0-2 during the Barclays Premier League match between Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge on May 2, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images) /
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Stamford Bridge will play host to two formidable teams on Saturday as Tottenham and Chelsea face off in Premier League matchday thirteen.

Tottenham are coming off a humiliating exit from the Champions League on Tuesday, though still retain the tools to challenge Chelsea.

The Blues, meanwhile, are enjoying a spectacular streak that’s seen their defense concede no goals in six outings and their offense score almost three goals for themselves per match.

Spurs represent perhaps the biggest challenge yet for Chelsea in that run of fine form. With only eight goals conceded so far this season, Tottenham field the strongest defense in the league. Plus Harry Kane is freshly fit and loves to score a goal or two in London derbies.

Were we able to name a combination of the best the two sides have to offer on Saturday, who would take to the pitch? Let’s take a look.

Chelsea/Tottenham Best XI - Premier League - 26th November 2016 - Football tactics and formations
Chelsea/Tottenham Best XI - Premier League - 26th November 2016 - Football tactics and formations /

Hugo Lloris – Goalkeeper

Thibaut Courtois still has time to grow into one of the best keepers in the world, but for now Lloris is the best man between the sticks. If anything, he’s grown in stature this season as Tottenham rely on him more and more to create a sense of composure in defense

Marco Alonso – Left wing-back

The former Fiorentina man has established himself in a Conte side that strongly relies on the wing-backs to create width. Expect him to menace Kyle Walker throughout the match on Saturday.

David Luiz – Centre-back

It’s impossible to justify the amount Chelsea paid Paris Saint Germain for the Brazilian’s return, but in Conte’s system he’s starting to pay back that debt.

Kevin Wimmer – Centre-back

With Danny Rose suspended and Ben Davies injured, Jan Vertonghen is likely set to be forced out wide at left-back — otherwise he’d be included here. Instead we have Wimmer, who last season and in isolated bursts this season has made a very good case for being Tottenham’s third choice at centre-back.

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Kyle Walker – Right-back

Like Lloris, Walker only seems to have improved this season. He’s still lacking a bit when it comes to end product in the form of crosses, but the England international is up to virtually any challenge.

Victor Wanyama – Defensive Midfield

Few predicted that the Kenyan would come into this Tottenham side and quickly establish himself over Eric Dier in midfield. His mobility and savvy positioning ease the burden on the defense and free up his teammates ahead of him to contribute to the attack.

N’Golo Kanté – Defensive Midfield

The former Leicester City man might be remembered as the best signing of the 2016/17 season. Like Wanyama, he’s always in motion, destroying opposition attacks well before they ever become a threat. His presence alone covers up any fractures in Chelsea’s backline.

Eden Hazard – Left winger

He’s coming off a forgettable season, but Chelsea’s Belgian star is finally rediscovering his past form. Better than perhaps any other player in England, Hazard can win games out of nothing but a few dribbles and a lethally precise eye for the back of the net.

Heung-min Son – Right winger

With Érik Lamela still out injured, Son will likely occupy the Argentine’s place on the right side of attacking midfield for Tottenham. A slight injury’s prevented him from sustaining his amazing form from the beginning of the season, but Pochettino and company have reason to be hopeful ahead of Saturday’s match.

Next: Does the Battle of Stamford Bridge Still Haunt Tottenham?

Harry Kane – Striker

Since returning from injury, Kane’s scored four goals in as many games. Granted, three of them have been penalties, but it’s a great way for the England man to regain the confidence he’ll need to win matches like this clash with Chelsea.

Diego Costa – Striker

Like Hazard, Costa suffered a particularly anonymous season last time out. He’s made up for lost time however, and stands as the biggest goal threat between the two teams on Saturday.