Tottenham Hotspur host Chelsea in the Premier League this weekend, in one of the most eagerly anticipated clashes on the calendar.
The London rivals have similar ambitions for the campaign but are in contrasting form. Ahead of a crucial capital clash in North London, we’ve picked our combined XI from the two squads – using only available players.
Tottenham Hotspur vs Chelsea – Combined XI
Goalkeeper: Robert Sanchez – Chelsea
Robert Sanchez has convinced few at Chelsea but the absence of Guglielmo Vicario for Spurs earns the Spaniard the gloves here. Sanchez ranks second in the Premier League for save percentage (81%) this season but is coming under pressure from Filip Jorgensen for the number one shirt.
Right-back: Pedro Porro – Tottenham
Pedro Porro is not alone in struggling in a Spurs shirt right now, and recent form does not warrant inclusion here, but the Spaniard is a player of real quality when at his best. Last season, he ranked in the Premier League’s top 10 players for tackles won, dribblers tackled, crosses and blocks, while scoring three goals and providing seven assists. Ange Postecoglou badly needs the right-back to rediscover that form.
Pedro Porro’s picture perfect @SpursOfficial goal v Man City 😍 pic.twitter.com/UtvRBRmoOu
— Premier League (@premierleague) November 27, 2024
Centre-back: Cristian Romero – Tottenham
Cristian Romero could return to the Spurs side to reinforce a depleted defence. A leader of the side, his aggressive defending and distribution from deep are important to the North Londoners. The World Cup winner has been an integral part of Argentina’s recent tournament successes.
Centre-back: Levi Colwill – Chelsea
Levi Colwill is growing into his role as a senior option at Chelsea. After sporadic appearances last season, he’s settled at centre-back under Enzo Maresca. The 21-year-old is in the Premier League’s top 10 players for progressive passing distance, percentage of dribblers tackled and touches this season.
Left-back: Marc Cucurella – Chelsea
Written off earlier in his Chelsea career, the comeback has certainly been greater than the setback for Marc Cucurella. After a strong run-in last season, the left-back starred in Spain’s Euro 2024 success and has continued to deliver consistently for Chelsea. Whether overlapping or inverting into midfield, he’s a key cog.
Midfield: Moises Caicedo – Chelsea
Another big-money signing on the up at Chelsea. Caicedo candidly admitted he initially struggled under the weight of expectation after his £115m move from Brighton but he has been an all-action force this season.
Enzo Maresca believed the Ecuadorian is among the best defensive midfielders in the division.
Enzo Maresca says Moises Caicedo is on the same level as Rodri and Declan Rice 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/JZlD5bkRXP
— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) December 7, 2024
Midfield: James Maddison – Tottenham
James Maddison has perhaps epitomised the inconsistency at Spurs. When on it, however, he is a wonderful watch. His performance in the 4-0 win at Manchester City was a reminder of his capabilities and Spurs need to coax that from the midfielder on a regular basis. An England recall beckons if the 28-year-old can find that level consistently.
Midfield: Cole Palmer – Chelsea
Chelsea’s recruitment focus has centred around a constellation of starlets and Cole Palmer’s has shone brightest. The 22-year-old has been a revelation in a Chelsea shirt, emerging as one of the Premier League’s poster-boys at Stamford Bridge. He has 47 goals and assists in the Premier League since his debut last year – more than any other player in the division. The kid is special.
Cole Palmer has equalled Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink’s Chelsea record for most Premier League goal contributions in a single calendar year 🔵🥇🤝
He still has 5⃣ games to play 🤯 pic.twitter.com/VCcNjgu9bQ
— LiveScore (@livescore) December 8, 2024
Right-wing: Dejan Kulusevski – Tottenham
Even in an underperforming Spurs side, Dejan Kulusevki has quietly been one of the players of the campaign so far. The Swede is a unique blend of powerful frame and delicate footwork and has produced consistent creativity for the North London side. Only three Premier League players have created more chance than Kulusevski in 2024/25.
Left-wing: Heung-min Son – Tottenham
Still the likeliest avenue to goal for Spurs. The standard Son has set is so high that his campaign has been adjudged below-par even with a record of seven goals and assists in 10 league starts. The South Korean has averaged a goal involvement every 121 minutes so far this season. Imagine when he hits form.
Forward: Nicolas Jackson – Chelsea
A contender for the most improved player of the Premier League campaign. Nicolas Jackson navigated a mixed first season in a Chelsea shirt to bounce back better than ever, silencing the criticism of his early adaptation. He has led the line impressively for Enzo Maresca, refined his finishing, and has shown signs of a player who still has levels to go. It’s 11 goal involvements in 13 appearances for the Senegalese striker this season.
Nicolas Jackson: Chelsea’s early-goal specialist ⚡️ pic.twitter.com/YYjrfTsRuY
— Premier League USA (@PLinUSA) December 2, 2024
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See more – Tottenham vs Chelsea – Match preview and team news
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