Manchester City vs Chelsea: Combined XI | Premier League 2020-21

Centre-back: Ruben Dias | Manchester City

Ruben Dias has been one of the greatest signings of the season

Just as Virgil Van Dijk led Liverpool to Premier League glory with his commanding presence and supreme defensive abilities last season, Manchester City have found a natural leader in Ruben Dias in this campaign.

City had struggled to replace Vincent Kompany at the heart of the defence and had to use Fernandinho to Rodri in the backline during the early stages of the season. Since his arrival, the player, who turns 24 next week, has proven himself to be a long-term replacement for the Belgian defender and has transformed Manchester City's defence.

Ruben Dias brings home the MOTM award and deservedly so. 100% tackles won. 90% pass accuracy. 3 clearances. 3 blocks. The most important clean sheet of his career. What a monstrous performance by the defender. #UCL pic.twitter.com/D3lsM7ogPu

— Football Tweet (@Football__Tweet) May 4, 2021

The hosts have conceded just 24 goals in 34 games in the league, a record only bettered in Europe by Atletico Madrid, who have let in 22 goals so far. Dias' understanding with John Stones has helped form a sturdy defensive partnership at the back for Manchester City and also elevated the latter's game.

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Centre-back: Kurt Zouma | Chelsea

Kurt Zouma has returned stronger from a long injury spell

Chelsea haven't had a world-class centre-back in their ranks for quite some time now. Thiago Silva's arrival in the summer was an added boost to their backline but the veteran, now 36, has some limitations.

A key defender who had upped his game this term has been Kurt Zouma. The Frenchman had struggled with injuries and match fitness for the past few seasons but is now back to full fitness and has been a rock for Chelsea this term.

He has been a beast in the air this season and has won four aerial duels per 90 minutes. That would explain his goalscoring exploits this term, as he has scored five goals in the Premier League, despite making just 21 appearances. So Manchester City attackers, as well as defenders, need to be wary of him.

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Centre-back: Thiago Silva | Chelsea

Thiago Silva

If John Stones wasn't suspended for the game, he would've joined his partner Ruben Dias in our list. Thus, Thiago Silva completes the defensive lineup of this XI, thanks to his impressive performances in recent fixtures.

Manchester City suffered a 1-0 defeat in the FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea in April and Thiago Silva was one of the best performers in that game, keeping Gabriel Jesus and Raheem Sterling in his pocket.

That's 1⃣6⃣ clean sheets the boss has overseen with the Blues now! 👏 #WHUCHE pic.twitter.com/WsKrawAjLp

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) April 24, 2021

Though he has lost some pace in recent times, we can expect him to make the most of his experience to keep the City attackers at bay.

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