Chelsea vs Manchester City - Combined XI | Premier League 2021-22

Right-back: Reece James (Chelsea)

James will make his first start since the Liverpool game.

Manchester City's Kyle Walker and Chelsea's Reece James are both good players. But the latter has had a much bigger impact for his team, and has made a better start to the new season too.

A revelation in Chelsea's squad under Thomas Tuchel last season, the 21-year-old possesses exceptional qualities to thrive at both ends of the pitch. He has already registered a goal and two assists in three league games so far.

Against City, for all their attacking might, James must be wary of leaving too much gaps behind. But if his on-the-line clearance in midweek is anything to go by, James is expected to be up for the challenge.

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Centre-back: Ruben Dias (Manchester City)

Ruben Dias has been the panacea to all of City's defensive woes.

Ruben Dias is arguably Manchester City's best signing in a long time. Since arriving from Benfica last year, the Portuguese has addressed most of their defensive shortcomings.

In fact, his partnership with John Stones was key in City winning the Premier League last season. While Stones is struggling with injuries right now, Dias is going strong.

Apart from his defensive attributes, Dias is also an excellent passer of the ball, helping City build from the back. He has made the most successful passes in the league this season, with 419.

Dias will be tasked with keeping the in-form Romelu Lukaku at bay in what seems like an interesting battle.

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Centre-back: Thiago Silva (Chelsea)

Thiago Silva's consistency is ridiculous.

Few players in their late 30s perform as consistently as Thiago Silva. His imperious displays earned him a contract extension at Chelsea, and he is repaying that faith this season as well.

The Brazilian, with the rejuvenated Antonio Rudiger alongside him, has marshalled Chelsea's backline with great aplomb. He remains a set-piece threat too, capable of popping up with a header or two.

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Left-back: Marcos Alonso (Chelsea)

From being on the fringe to becoming a first-choice starter, Alonso has turned things around at Chelsea.

This was quite easy. Manchester City have very few options in this position; Ben Chilwell's form has dropped spectacularly since last season, leaving Marcos Alonso the obvious pick.

The Spaniard has rejuvenated himself under Thomas Tuchel. He is now a regular player in Chelsea's XI, recapturing his mojo that made him a star during his first season at the club.

He also offers more attacking threat than Chilwell, having already scored and assisted once apiece in the Premier League this season. Alonso has dispatched his defensive duties with elan too.