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Combined Best XI: Chelsea vs. Manchester City

By Larry Henry

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 03: Eden Hazard of Chelsea and Kevin De Bruyne of Manchester City during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Chelsea at Etihad Stadium on December 3, 2016 in Manchester, England. (Photo by James Baylis - AMA/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 03: Eden Hazard of Chelsea and Kevin De Bruyne of Manchester City during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Chelsea at Etihad Stadium on December 3, 2016 in Manchester, England. (Photo by James Baylis - AMA/Getty Images) /
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MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 03: David Silva of Manchester City and Ngolo Kante of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Chelsea at Etihad Stadium on December 3, 2016 in Manchester, England. (Photo by James Baylis – AMA/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 03: David Silva of Manchester City and Ngolo Kante of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Chelsea at Etihad Stadium on December 3, 2016 in Manchester, England. (Photo by James Baylis – AMA/Getty Images) /

After a hard-earned point at Arsenal on Sunday, Manchester City prepare to face another London giant on Wednesday, league leaders Chelsea. 

Pep Guardiola‘s side were pinned back twice in a 2-2 draw at the Emirates on Sunday, but hung on for a point.

Remaining in fourth-place, the Citizens now prepare themselves for another road test on Wednesday against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

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Antonio Conte‘s side have been dominant all season, but slipped up on Saturday in a 2-1 defeat vs. Crystal Palace. Despite an early 1-0 lead, the leaders saw goals from Wilfried Zaha and Christian Benteke soon after which would earn Palace the three points.

In his pre-match interview with BBC Sport, Pep Guardiola praised Chelsea’s work this season, and feels tomorrow’s showdown will be important for beyond this season. “Chelsea will be a big game and especially a big game away, it is important to learn from these kinds of games for the future. They play less games, they have more time to prepare. But Chelsea will be in Europe next year and they have the quality to compete. Chelsea deserve to be where they are, they have won a lot of games and deserve their position.”

Ahead of tomorrow’s clash in London, we decided to take a look at the best XI players from the two sides. Chosen players will be decided on availability and form.

LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 13: Thibaut Courtois of Chelsea signals during The Emirates FA Cup Quarter-Final match between Chelsea and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on March 13, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 13: Thibaut Courtois of Chelsea signals during The Emirates FA Cup Quarter-Final match between Chelsea and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on March 13, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) /

Goalkeeper – Thibaut Courtois

The 24-year-old Belgian #1 has started for Chelsea every match this Premier League season, and is one of the world’s best. Courtois is a big keeper that is flexible enough to make some outstanding saves for his team. Willy Caballero has had a fine season for Manchester City, but Courtois easily deserves this spot over the Argentine. He is smart when it comes to distribution out of the back, and isn’t afraid to throw his body around to grab crosses or corner-kicks.