MY ACCOUNT
London rivals Chelsea and Tottenham face off in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final this evening.
The Blues have suffered a recent slump following their fine early-season form, while Spurs have come on leaps and bounds since Antonio Conte took over as manager.
That makes picking a combined XI between the two sides a difficult task, with both outfits packed with talent.
Read on to find out who makes our team and be sure to let us know what you think of our selections on social media.
Goalkeeper: Edouard Mendy (Chelsea)
Senegal international Edouard Mendy has been a revelation since joining Chelsea at the start of last season and just pips unfortunate Spurs captain Hugo Lloris to a place in this team.
The 29-year-old played a starring role in helping his side lift the Champions League last season — earning him the UEFA Champions League Goalkeeper of the Season award — and he has been in similarly superb form this campaign.
The stopper will be a big miss for Chelsea in the coming weeks after recently jetting off to the Africa Cup of Nations with his country.
Right wing-back: Reece James (Chelsea)
Injury has recently ruled out Reece James for Chelsea — but prior to that he was having a stunning campaign.
The right wing-back has been one of the Blues’ best attackers this season, if not the best, contributing five goals and six assists this term.
The 22-year-old England international has developed into one of the Premier League’s finest right-backs and comfortably holds off Emerson Royal for a spot in this XI.
Centre-back: Cristian Romero (Tottenham)
Cristian Romero has had his start to life at Tottenham disrupted somewhat by injuries, but the Argentinian has shown enough when he has featured to warrant a place in our side.
The 23-year-old was Serie A’s standout defender with Atalanta last season and Spurs have looked much more comfortable at the back when he has been in the team.
With Tottenham rapidly improving and Romero stepping up his return, the Copa America winner will surely only go from strength to strength under Conte.
Centre-back: Thiago Silva (Chelsea)
It is no surprise Chelsea recently opted to extend veteran defender Thiago Silva’s contract.
The Brazilian is showing no signs of slowing down at the age of 37, helping the Blues to six clean sheets while he has been in the side this season.
He will hope to add a Carabao Cup to his glittering trophy cabinet and is sure to play a key role across the two legs of this tie.
Centre-back: Antonio Rudiger (Chelsea)
Antonio Rudiger’s future remains far less certain than his defensive partner, with the German currently appearing unlikely to extend his current Chelsea deal which expires in June.
But while speculation has dominated talk off the pitch, Rudiger continues to be a pivotal presence on it for Thomas Tuchel’s men.
The 28-year-old beats an improved Eric Dier to a spot in our team.
Left wing-back: Sergio Reguilon (Tottenham)
With Ben Chilwell unable to impress due to injury, Sergio Reguilon’s eye-catching recent form sees him take the shirt.
The Spaniard has been plagued by inconsistency during his time in North London but his talent is there for all to see, with his blistering place an asset to any side.
Reguilon scored the winner for his side against Leeds last month, while he has also claimed three assists this term.
Central midfield: N’Golo Kante (Chelsea)
One of the easiest picks to make in this XI, N’Golo Kante would improve the midfield of any team in world football.
The relentless Frenchman covers every blade of grass for his side game after game and his abilities in defensive midfield make him one of Europe’s best.
With the World Cup, Champions League and Premier League winner in our side, we will fancy our chances against any opponent.
Central midfield: Jorginho (Chelsea)
Perfectly complimenting Kante is his Chelsea team-mate Jorginho, whose heroics in 2021 saw him finish third in the Ballon d’Or voting.
Dictating the tempo of his side with his classiness on the ball, the 30-year-old proved a key man in Italy’s Euro 2020 triumph as well as Chelsea’s Champions League win.
He has been similarly impressive this season, while his extraordinary tally of ten Premier League penalties scored in 2021 is another useful trait for this XI.
Right wing: Mason Mount (Chelsea)
On the right of attack is Chelsea’s star man Mason Mount, who is now pivotal for both club and country.
The West Londoners have an embarrassment of riches up front but it is their academy graduate who has often risen highest and this campaign has been no different.
The 22-year-old has seven goals and five assists this term — another impressive return.
Striker: Harry Kane (Tottenham)
Harry Kane has started to return to his best for Tottenham in recent weeks — and that spells bad news for Spurs’ upcoming opponents.
With just one Premier League strike to his name previously, the England captain has bagged three goals in his last four league games after finally putting a failed move to Manchester City in the summer behind him.
Kane is selected as our main striker ahead of Romelu Lukaku, who will hope to put his recent off-field controversies behind him in a similar vein in the coming weeks.
Left wing: Heung-Min Son
Rounding off our combined XI is Kane’s partner in crime Heung-Min Son.
The South Korean is showing his class once again for Spurs with eight goals and three assists in the league this season.
The winger is another who would improve most sides’ frontline and is a must-pick for this team.
Do you agree with our line-up? Let us know by tweeting @LiveScore.
