Tottenham vs Chelsea combined XI: Harry Kane or Diego Costa, Hugo Lloris or Thibaut Courtois — and rest of big battles
Ahead of White Hart Lane showdown, we take a look at all talent on offer to make super team — but in more traditional formation
TOTTENHAM host Chelsea in a hotly-anticipated London derby.
Last season the Blues ended Spurs’ title challenge with a 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge — and the hosts could earn some revenge by stopping Antonio Conte and Co., who are in pursuit of history.
Chelsea men will equal Arsenal’s record of 14 consecutive Premier League victories at White Hart Lane with three points.
Keep up to date with ALL the Tottenham news, gossip, transfers and goals on our club page plus fixtures, results and live match commentary
Can Tottenham stop them?
We take a look at how many of their players would get into a combined XI with the runaway league leaders — and we’re going for the typically-used 4-2-3-1 formation.
Goalkeeper
Hugo Lloris
AN EXTREMELY close call involving two of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League.
Thibaut Courtois is class and was rightly brought into replace Petr Cech.
However, Lloris has hardly put a foot wrong since arriving in the Premier League — and just edges the Belgian out.
Defence
Cesar Azpilicueta
VERSATILE Spaniard was initially a left-back, before moving to the centre, but slots in on the right in this team.
Kyle Walker plays here for Spurs and Victor Moses is Chelsea’s wing-back.
However, Azpilicueta is stronger and better in that position — in this formation — than both.
Toby Alderweireld
BELGIAN international beats Gary Cahill to the first centre-back berth.
Alderweireld has been one of Mauricio Pochettino’s best signings.
He was solid at Southampton and shored up Spurs’ backline, which was always the club’s problem area.
David Luiz
AMAZINGLY beats Jan Vertonghen into this team.
No one could have predicted just how successful the Brazilian’s return would be.
Conte’s system allows Luiz to play his natural game with protection — and he’s relishing it.
Danny Rose
MARCOS ALONSO is unlucky to miss out, after surprising a few since arriving for £24million.
Rose has been transformed into England’s first-choice left-back under Pochettino.
He is strong at the back and dangerous going forward, and an extra outlet in attack.
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Defensive midfield
N’Golo Kante
A CLASS act who has enjoyed one of the most incredible 18 months in football history.
From title success with Leicester to a Euro 2016 final with France and a stunning start to life at Chelsea.
And it isn’t just coincidence as Kante has proved vital for each team, easily beating Victor Wanyama here.
Mousa Dembele
ONE of Tottenham’s best players who now looks a steal at £15m.
Dembele will be fired up for this one — but hopefully a little less so than last season where he was banned for ten matches after an eye-gouge on Diego Costa.
The dominant midfielder beats off fierce competition from Nemanja Matic and Cesc Fabregas.
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Attacking midfield
Eden Hazard
ON HIS day, there are few — if any — better than him in the Premier League.
Hazard has rediscovered his best form and looks absolutely unstoppable.
With the careers of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo surely coming to an end, he is a genuine future Ballon d’Or contender.
Dele Alli
ONE of the few English players seemingly able to cope with the over-hype.
Alli became an unexpected star in his first season in Premier League, and soon became a mainstay in the England team.
May not have started the season at his best, but has bounced back and even attracted interest from the likes of Real Madrid.
Pedro
ANOTHER who has bounced back spectacularly from a disappointing first season.
Pedro was borderline appalling when he moved to Stamford Bridge last summer.
But his pace has become a huge asset to Conte, and he has contribute big goals against Manchester United and Tottenham.
Striker
Diego Costa
POSSIBLY the only striker in the country who would keep Harry Kane out of the team.
Costa’s transformation this season has been incredible — and his vital to everything Chelsea do.
He is the Premier League’s top goal scorer and can be relied upon for a goal when his side are struggling to break someone down.
Manager
Antonio Conte
HAS surpassed all expectations and is head and shoulders above the other exciting newcoming managers to the Premier League over the past 18 months.
Pochettino is building something at Tottenham and may well go on to manage the likes of Real Madrid in the future.
But for the now, Conte is arguably the best manager in the world. The change in Chelsea's fortunes is down to him.