Chelsea vs Manchester United: Combined XI

Chelsea vs Manchester United: Combined XI
Chelsea vs Manchester United: Combined XI

Right-back: Cesar Azpilicueta

Azpilicueta has been useful in the attack
Azpilicueta has been useful in the attack

Antonio Valencia's poor attacking returns mean his Chelsea rival gets the nod here, with Azpilicueta in, particularly good form. He has added an extra edge to his side's already fearsome attack and also weighed in with the assists.

With an average of two tackles and almost a clearance each game, the Spaniard's defensive aspect of the game has been impressive too while the 571 passes he's laid currently rank among the 10 best figures in the league.


Centre-back: David Luiz

Luiz is back in the mix
Luiz is back in the mix

With the appointment of Sarri, the Brazilian has been reinstated in the line-up and has started all 8 of Chelsea's game so far. That doesn't really mean he's been downright fantastic or something, but Luiz is getting back to his best.

He looks assured at the back and also averages over 4 clearances per game. Luiz has also dovetailed to Sarri's schemes as his 614 passes so far rank him fifth in the league.


Centre-back: Antonio Rudiger

The German has forged a solid pairing with Luiz
The German has forged a solid pairing with Luiz

Having endured a baptism of fire following a switch to Chelsea, Rudiger gradually went on to redeem himself and turned in considerable shows at the back even if the Blues stuttered along the way.

He's got off to the new campaign in a similarly fine vein, starting all games and giving a good account of himself with his timely tackles and vigilant interceptions. Rudiger's partnership with Luiz at the heart of the defence has yielded four clean sheets so far.


Left-back: Marcos Alonso

Alonso hasn't looked back since arriving at Chelsea
Alonso hasn't looked back since arriving at Chelsea

Arguably the best fullback in the league, Alonso continues to grace new heights with his performances and this season too, has been as top-notch as always. His relentless scampering down the left flank has made that part of Chelsea's play ridiculously strong and Alonso has been directly involved in the goals too, striking once and assisting twice so far.

The Spaniard is one of the few fullbacks to match his offensive stats with equally impressive defending, as his average of 2 tackles and 4.4 clearances per game would suggest.

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