MY ACCOUNT
Sunday will see the biggest clash of the new Premier League season to date as Chelsea welcome Tottenham to Stamford Bridge.
Spurs made several eye-catching signings this summer and started with a convincing 4-1 victory against Southampton, while the Blues battled past Everton 1-0 at Goodison Park.
As Antonio Conte looks to guide his visitors to a statement success over his former club, we have pulled together our best combined XI from the two star-studded squads.
We are lining up in a 3-4-3 formation. Remember to let us know what you think of our team on social media.
Goalkeeper: Edouard Mendy (Chelsea)
Both sides are in possession of world-class stoppers but the No1 jersey in our team goes to the ever-dependable Edouard Mendy.
Chelsea’s Senegalese custodian, 30, has racked up an impressive 31 clean sheets in 66 Premier League appearances since his summer 2020 arrival and edges out Spurs stalwart Hugo Lloris.
Centre-back: Cristian Romero (Tottenham)
On the right of our back three, Cristian Romero showed more than enough in his maiden Premier League season to merit a spot — even with a few injury issues.
It is no coincidence that Spurs lost only two of their last 14 top-flight outings last term to storm into fourth place, starting not long after the 24-year-old Argentine returned from a hamstring issue.
Centre-back: Thiago Silva (Chelsea)
They say age is just a number and Chelsea’s veteran Brazilian Thiago Silva remains a no-brainer selection in our backline ahead of his 38th birthday next month.
Silva’s arrival at Stamford Bridge on a free transfer in 2020 has proven a masterstroke and he remains their most dependable defender after helping the Blues to Champions League glory in his first campaign.
Centre-back: Kalidou Koulibaly (Chelsea)
Eric Dier may consider himself a tad unlucky to miss out in our side, with the Spurs star re-finding some of his very best form under Antonio Conte in recent times.
However, Chelsea’s acquisition of former Napoli enforcer Kalidou Koulibaly looks to be inspired business, with the 31-year-old helping his new side to a clean sheet at Goodison Park on his debut.
Right midfield: Reece James (Chelsea)
Djed Spence’s £20million arrival from Middlesbrough has certainly got Spurs fans excited for the future — but Chelsea’s Reece James is already the total package on the right flank.
The Blues’ No24 is a slick operator in both defence and attack and that well-rounded set of attributes may yet see him nail down a starting spot for England at November’s World Cup.
Central midfield: Yves Bissouma (Tottenham)
One of the most high-profile signings of the summer, Yves Bissouma had a host of clubs chasing his signature after four years starring in Graham Potter’s impressive Brighton side.
Securing the 25-year-old Malian for £25m looks like a snip for Spurs and his commanding physical presence makes him an easy selection for our XI.
Central midfield: Mason Mount (Chelsea)
One of the Premier League’s most reliable performers, versatile Chelsea star Mason Mount brings a good mix of guile and graft to our team’s engine room.
Mount, 23, often goes under the radar but recorded an impressive 21 direct goal involvements last season in the top tier, reaching double figures for both strikes and assists.
Left midfield: Ben Chilwell (Chelsea)
Ivan Perisic could prove to be an extremely shrewd addition for Spurs but for the moment, the defensive responsibilities on our left flank go to the returning Ben Chilwell.
Having missed most of 2021-22 with a ruptured cruciate ligament, it was warming to see the 25-year-old England star win his side’s decisive penalty in their opening-day win at Everton.
Right wing: Raheem Sterling (Chelsea)
Raheem Sterling’s £47.5m switch to Chelsea came a little out of the blue — but Thomas Tuchel will have been delighted to inherit the four-time Premier League winner.
Opting to leave the Etihad in search of a more guaranteed starting berth, the 27-year-old Three Lions forward will hope to bring his taste for silverware across to Stamford Bridge.
Centre forward: Harry Kane (Tottenham)
While Kai Havertz is arguably one of the division’s more underrated line-leaders, there is no question about Harry Kane’s role as this side’s leading centre forward.
After a slow start last term, Tottenham’s talisman netted 16 goals in his final 24 appearances and is a contender to grab a record-equalling fourth Golden Boot next May.
Left wing: Heung-Min Son (Tottenham)
The man who pipped Kane to that personal accolade last term, Heung-Min Son simply cannot be kept out of this combined XI despite Chelsea possessing some excellent wide options.
South Korean superstar Son, 30, has netted 40 goals in the last two campaigns and is arguably equally as pivotal as Kane in North London.
Let us know what you think of our combined XI on social media.
