Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur do battle tonight in a Premier League London Derby at Stamford Bridge.
There’s often no lack of incident when these teams meet, with plenty of needle between the capital neighbours. Ahead of tonight’s tie, we’ve selected our Chelsea and Tottenham Combined XI from the two squads.
Chelsea vs Tottenham Hotspur – Combined XI
Goalkeeper: Guglielmo Vicario – Tottenham
Chelsea’s goalkeeping situation has been farcical with the Blues adding an eighth goalkeeper to their ranks with the arrival of teenager Mike Penders from Genk in August. Despite that, none of the current options have convinced, with Enzo Maresca still deciding between the error-prone Robert Sanchez and unproven Filip Jorgensen.
Spurs ‘keeper Guglielmo Vicario has some doubters when it comes to command of his box but the Italian is a quaity shot-stopper. He leads the Premier League for xG prevented (4.6) despite missing over two months with an ankle injury.
Right-back: Reece James – Chelsea
Chelsea’s captain celebrated a first England goal during the break and what a goal. A fantastic free-kick from James was a reminder of the talent that injuries have so badly prevented from being on show regularly in recent seasons. When fit, he’s one of the best in the business.
Centre-back: Cristian Romero – Tottenham
Spurs’ struggles this season have been in large part due to the absence of key figures. Cristian Romero’s recurring issues have been problematic with the centre-back a crucial part of the plan in North London. The 26-year-old is commanding, aggressive and a real leader. He’s been a pivotal part of Argentina’s recent international success.
Centre-back: Micky Van de Ven – Tottenham
Like Romero, Van de Ven has not taken to the pitch nearly enough this season. The Dutch defender was a revelation in his debut campaign, earning Tottenham’s Player of the Season award in 2023/24. There’s arguably no defender in Europe with his blend of speed and strength.
Left-back: Marc Cucurella – Chelsea
From forgotten flop to mainstay, Marc Cucurella has had some turnaround at Chelsea. The left-back shone during last season’s run-in before starring as Spain won Euro 2024 in the summer, earning inclusion in the Team of the Tournament. He’s remained integral under Enzo Maresca, inverting into midfield alongside displays of the drive that persuaded Chelsea to bring him in from Brighton in the first place.
Midfield: Moises Caicedo – Chelsea
Moises Caicedo is another big-money buy who took time to settle but he’s flourishing now. The Ecuadorian’s energy and tenacious defensive work have impressed this season, with Caicedo, arguably, Chelsea’s Player of the Season. He ranks among the Premier League’s top players for passes into the final third (3rd), tackles won (7th), dribblers tackled (7th), interceptions (8th) and percentage of aerial duels won (8th) this season. So consistent.
Midfield: Enzo Fernandez – Chelsea
Like many of Chelsea’s recent signings, Enzo Fernandez has had to handle the weight of an inflated price tag. The World Cup winner has grown in stature, however, leading the Premier League for chances created in March. During the international break, he was outstanding as Argentina thrashed Brazil 4-1 to secure World Cup qualification.
Midfield: James Maddison – Tottenham
It feels like James Maddison must continually prove a point at the moment. Whether it’s well-documented comments from pundits or omissions from the England squad, Maddison is yet to convince all. That said, the 28-year-old is a match-winner at his best and has a healthy return of 11 goals and seven assists in a struggling side this season. He’s a player Ange Postecoglou must coax more from consistently. The talent is there.
Right-wing: Cole Palmer – Chelsea
A revelation for Chelsea.
Cole Palmer’s meteoric rise has seen him emerge as a poster boy of the Premier League.
The PFA Young Player of the Year last season after a stunning debut campaign, where
he had the most goal involvements (33) of any player in the division.
Despite a recent dip, Palmer has again been excellent this time around. He’s capable of the utterly unpredictable and a throwback to mavericks of a bygone era.
Left-wing: Heung-min Son – Tottenham
Heung-min Son might be reaching the latter end of his career but the South Korean will be remembered as a Spurs icon. Son has stayed with Spurs for a decade, despite a talent that should have won the silverware that has been elusive in North London.
He’s returned 16 goals and assists in 21 league starts this season and is on course to breach 20 in a campaign for the sixth time.
Forward: Dominic Solanke – Tottenham
A toss-up between Chelsea forwards past and present. Dominic Solanke has taken a long road back to one of London’s leading clubs, with the highly-regarded Chelsea academy graduate failing to make the first-team grade in West London or at Liverpool before thriving at Bournemouth. He became Tottenham’s record signing last summer and has 11 goals and eight assists for the campaign.
Solanke’s refinement sees him edge out Nicolas Jackson, who despite real potential can combine the sublime with the ridiculous.
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See more – Chelsea vs Tottenham Hotspur – Match preview and team news
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