Coral’s combined Chelsea and Manchester City starting XI
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Coral’s football experts have carved up a combined starting XI of Chelsea (11/10 favourites for victory) and Manchester City (11/4) stars that are available for the crunch Premier League top clash this Saturday.
That means the likes of Diego Costa (suspended), Cesc Fabregas (injured), Yaya Toure and new Citizens signing Wilfried Bony (both on international duty) do not feature in this line-up.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Thibaut Courtois – Goalkeeper (Chelsea)
Any keeper that can edge out Petr Cech in goal has something special about them, and the young Belgian continues to impress, with 10 clean sheets already for the Blues (3/1 for a win to nil) in his first Premier League campaign.
Pablo Zabaleta – Right back (Manchester City)
Argentine full back Zabaleta is in his eighth season with City and is fast becoming a club cult hero, with his consistent performance and tenacious style. He just edges out Branislav Ivanovic for this spot in our side.
John Terry – Centre back (Chelsea)
Chelsea’s captain fantastic has maintained his high level of ability despite his advancing year, and been a rock at the back this season in his club’s bid to win another Premier League title (odds-on 2/9 favourites).
Vincent Kompany – Centre back (Manchester City)
City’s answer to Terry, Belgium and Citizens skipper Kompany has been vital to his club’s success over the last few seasons.
Caesar Azpilicueta – Left back (Chelsea)
Spain international Azpilicueta ousted former Blues hero Ashley Cole form the position last season, and has not looked back, becoming Chelsea’s answer to ex-Manchester United right-footer Denis Irwin.
Nemanja Matic – Defenisve midfield (Chelsea)
Matic is so good that Chelsea realised their mistake of allowing the Serb to leave to Benfica, and spent big to get him back at Stamford Bridge. Despite being just 26 still, Matic is the complete player and a perfect shield for the Blues’ defence.
Frank Lampard – Central midfield (Manchester City)
Evergreen Lampard has started just three of his 17 Premier League matches this season, but has managed to get five crucial goals and is a tempting 10/3 chance to get another against his former club Chelsea. The 36-year-old only makes our starting XI due to Fabregas, Toure and Costa being absent.
David Silva – Right wing (Manchester City)
The skilful Spaniard quietly goes about his business, but is a crucial part of Man City’s team, creating and getting important goals for them.
Oscar – Attacking midfield (Chelsea)
Another that makes our team due to absentees, Oscar’s stats this term actually suggest he is worthy of playing in any side in the world. He has six goals and seven assists in the league this season so far.
Eden Hazard – Left wing (Chelsea)
There is no doubt about Hazard’s place in this line-up, though. He is the third Belgian to make the team and already has 12 goals and nearly as many assists this season in all competitions already.
Sergio Aguero – Striker (Manchester City)
Due to Costa serving a three-match ban, Aguero will have to take his place on his own up front in this formation. The Argentine superstar is truly world class, netting 19 times already this term in all competitions, and has three goals in this fixture before. Aguero is 11/2 to score first.
