Manchester City and Chelsea face off in the Premier League tonight, highlighting a matchup between two of the most successful English teams of the 21st century.
Both teams have risen to prominence through significant financial investments, propelling them into Europe’s elite football clubs. They also share a history of players, with several participating in today’s match who have played for both sides.
Notable talents from both clubs have graced the Premier League, and we’ve compiled an XI featuring these players.
Goalkeeper: Willy Caballero
Caballero may not be a star name, but he had important moments as a backup at both Manchester City and Chelsea. His performance in the 2016 League Cup final, where he saved penalties in a shootout against Liverpool, stands out.
Right-back: Tal Ben-Haim
Trust us, this XI gets stronger! Ben-Haim, who impressed at Bolton, moved to Chelsea but faced limited chances due to established defenders. He later joined Manchester City for £5 million but struggled for playtime. However, he enjoyed a good career, with 147 Premier League appearances and 96 international caps.
Centre-back: Tosin Adarabioyo
Adarabioyo might face his former club today. He grew up in Manchester and came through City’s youth system, making only eight senior appearances before moving to Fulham, where he found his form. After a successful stint, he transferred to Chelsea and has been a solid player, contributing five goals in 41 appearances since his debut.
Centre-back: Nathan Ake
Ake also has ties to both clubs. He joined Chelsea young but only made seven league appearances before going to Bournemouth. His development there led to a £40 million move to Manchester City in 2020, where he has since won ten trophies, including multiple league titles and the 2023 Champions League.
Left-back: Wayne Bridge
Bridge was an early signing during Chelsea’s transformation under new ownership. After a strong five years at Southampton, he had a significant moment in the Champions League with Chelsea. He played 142 matches for the club before moving to Manchester City in 2009, though injuries limited his impact.
Midfield: Frank Lampard
Chelsea’s all-time leading scorer, Lampard, joined from West Ham in 2001 and became one of the best midfielders of his time. He scored 211 goals for Chelsea and played a key role in several title-winning teams, including their first Champions League victory. After leaving Chelsea, he joined New York City but returned to England to play for Manchester City, scoring eight goals during his time at the club.
Midfield: Kevin De Bruyne
Chelsea was once home to a young De Bruyne, though he was let go due to manager Jose Mourinho’s doubts. He later thrived in Germany before returning to the Premier League for £55 million, establishing himself as one of Manchester City’s best players, achieving six league titles and numerous assists and awards during his decade with the team.
Midfield: Cole Palmer
Palmer was a notable transfer for Chelsea in 2023 from Manchester City. Initially seen as a low-risk investment, he quickly became a standout player for Chelsea, scoring 22 goals and providing 11 assists in his first season, earning individual accolades along the way.
Right-wing: Shaun Wright-Phillips
Wright-Phillips was a standout player for Manchester City at the start of his career. He won Young Player of the Year for four consecutive seasons and was part of the Premier League Team of the Year. His subsequent transfer to Chelsea for £21 million brought him more success, including a league title and FA Cup, but he never secured a permanent role in the squad.
Left-wing: Raheem Sterling
Joining Manchester City from Liverpool, Sterling became the most expensive English player in 2015. He evolved into a crucial part of City’s success, recording 131 goals over seven seasons. After moving to Chelsea in 2022, he has faced challenges and has not played since 2024.
Forward: Nicolas Anelka
Anelka had significant spells at both clubs. He joined Manchester City for a record fee in 2002 and scored 45 goals in 103 appearances. After time at other clubs, he moved to Chelsea in 2008, winning the Premier League Golden Boot and adding to his trophy collection.
Substitutes: Terry Phelan, David Rocastle, Mateo Kovacic, Romeo Lavia, Liam Delap, Daniel Sturridge
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