Chelsea and Spurs’ Wembley Mixed XI goes right down to the wire
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As is customary here at news.ladbrokes.com, we’ve cobbled together the best from both sides ahead of this weekend’s Capital One Cup final between Chelsea and Spurs, with somewhat surprising results.
Despite there being 16 points between the pair in the Premier League after 26 rounds, the leaders barely edge this by six players to five.
Chelsea’s Thibaut Courtois would be many punters’ pick in goal, but the Belgium number one has only kept one clean sheet in his past eight appearances and shipped five against Spurs at White Hart Lane in that run.
Courtois has also had to cede his spot in goal five times in Chelsea’s past 11 all-competition matches to Petr Cech, whereas Hugo Lloris has played every Premier League minute for the Lilywhites this term.
In the backline, it’s pretty much a Chelsea clean sweep apart from at centre-back, where Jan Vertonghen sneaks in next to Blues captain John Terry.
Gary Cahill may have already lost his place in Jose Mourinho’s side to young Frenchman Kurt Zouma, who has started seven of his side’s past 11 games, while Vertonghen has been on from the off in 17 of Spurs’ past 18 fixtures.
Nemanja Matic’s absence through injury looks a serious problem for the 7/10 favourites to win in 90 minutes, with no real replacement for the holding midfielder in the Chelsea ranks.
Step forward Nabil Bentaleb, Spurs’ most improved player this season, next to Cesc Fabregas at the base of midfield.
Further ahead, Eden Hazard and Christian Eriksen are shoo-ins after fine campaigns so far, with the pair bagging 13 and 11 goals in all competitions respectively this term, and the Dane would link up well with fellow number 10/wing-forward Willian on the right.
Up front it’s a tough, tough call between Harry Kane and Diego Costa. The Londoner shades it due to his stunning tally of 24 goals so far this season compared to Costa’s 17, admittedly in 11 fewer outings.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
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