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Premier League | Gameweek 27
Feb 22, 2020 at 12.30pm UK
 
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2-1

Giroud (15'), Alonso (48')
FT(HT: 1-0)
Rudiger (89' og.)

Combined XI: Chelsea vs. Tottenham Hotspur

Ahead of Saturday's Premier League clash between Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur, Sports Mole picks a combined XI from both squads.

After their contrasting fortunes in the Premier League, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur go head to head at Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon with just one point separating the teams in the table.

While Chelsea had been clear of the chasing pack in the race for fourth position, Frank Lampard's side have gone four games without success in the top flight.

Meanwhile, Spurs have recorded 10 points during the same period, putting the North Londoners back in contention for a place in next season's Champions League.

However, Jose Mourinho's side will have had under 65 hours to prepare for this contest as a result of facing RB Leipzig on Wednesday evening.

Here, Sports Mole selects a combined XI, using only the players who are expected to be available for the fixture at the weekend.



Combined XI: CHE vs. TOT

With neither Kepa Arrizabalaga nor Willy Caballero having impressed for Chelsea this season, Hugo Lloris is the logical choice between the sticks, especially after his excellent showing against Leipzig earlier this week.

Spurs teammate Serge Aurier has produced some strong performances since Mourinho's arrival, although we favour Chelsea youngster Reece James at right-back

On the opposite side, Japhet Tanganga gets the nod, with none of Jan Vertonghen, Ben Davies, Marcos Alonso or Emerson Palmieri doing enough to hold down a regular starting spot at their respective club.

We are applying the same thought process regarding our centre-backs, meaning that Davinson Sanchez and Toby Alderweireld are the natural picks over the likes of Kurt Zouma and Antonio Rudiger.

When it comes to our midfield, Jorginho is selected over Eric Dier as our most defensive-minded player, and the Italian is partnered by the impressive Giovani Lo Celso, who has emerged as a star performer for Spurs since the turn of the year.

Although Dele Alli could feature up front for Spurs in Saturday's contest, the Englishman takes on his usual playmaker role in our side, aided by Willian and Steven Bergwijn on either flank.

Injuries to Christian Pulisic, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Son Heung-min made these selections easier, however, especially in the case of the latter who would have featured on the left wing.

With Tammy Abraham expected to have recovered from an ankle injury in time for Saturday's game, the Chelsea academy graduate is selected ahead of Lucas Moura.

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Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Harry Winks pictured on December 26, 2019
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Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool16123137162139
2Chelsea17105237191835
3Arsenal1796234161833
4Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest179442319431
5Bournemouth178452721628
6Manchester CityMan City188463026428
7Aston Villa178452626028
8Newcastle UnitedNewcastle177552721626
9Fulham176742422225
10Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton176742726125
11Tottenham HotspurSpurs1772839251423
12Brentford177283232023
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd176472122-122
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham175572230-820
15Everton173861522-717
16Crystal Palace173771826-816
17Leicester CityLeicester173592137-1614
18Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1733112740-1312
19Ipswich TownIpswich172691632-1612
20Southampton1713131136-256


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