Cole Palmer and Son Heung-min are automatic starters while Nicolas Jackson enters our combined XI for Chelsea against Tottenham… but why are the SEVEN Spurs stars getting the nod ahead of the London clash?

Chelsea and Tottenham each meet at Stamford Bridge hoping to put a damper on their London rivals’ European ambitions.

Mauricio Pochettino is facing such an injury crisis that his team has practically been chosen for him.

Meanwhile, Ange Postecoglou will need to shake his players out of the stupor after back-to-back defeats, although their inspired second half in their 3-2 defeat to Arsenal gives hope.

If either manager had any doubts about the choice, they would do well to listen to Mail Sport’s authoritative advice below.

Without further ado, we present to you the Mail Sport Combined XI. What could go wrong?

Son Heung-min leads the line flanked by Nicolas Jackson and Cole Palmer in our combined XI

FORMATION: 4-2-3-1

Goalkeeper: Guglielmo Vicario (Tottenham)

Provided he doesn’t let anyone undo his gloves, Vicario is a pretty easy choice here.

He is the archetypal modern goalie, ranking highly in distribution stats and capable of sweeping when necessary.

There are doubts about his ability to command his area – Micah Richards was left unimpressed with his sheepish look in the 3-2 defeat to Arsenal and Spurs conceded two goals from corners.

Djordje Petrovic is a good goalkeeping option for Chelsea in a mid-table season, but Mail Sport prefers Vicario.

Guglielmo Vicario brings modern qualities for a goalkeeper but can improve his presence

Right-back: Pedro Porro (Tottenham)

Porro has found a happy home at Spurs and is well suited to their style of play.

He was a good creator as he charged Ange Postecoglou’s wing, notching seven assists, although his last one was in January.

This would have been a draw against Malo Gusto, whose cross has been a sight to behold, but he is out after injuring his knee against Manchester City.

Pedro Porro is a dynamic fullback and, with Malo Gusto out, he easily claims that spot.

Central defender: Cristian Romero (Tottenham)

It has its imperfections, but Romero’s partnership with Micky van de Ven is something Spurs can build on for seasons to come.

Aggressive, swaggering and a good leader, Romero won over the fans after the first doubts.

He also became an important contributor going forward: his goal against Arsenal took his season tally to five goals.

For much of the second half he played so high he was practically a striker, but his initiative paid off and allowed his team to get back into the game.

Cristian Romero has scored five goals this season and elevated his status among fans

Central defender: Micky van de Ven (Tottenham)

He was a very solid signing for Postecoglou, a £43m fee well spent.

His pace is astonishing. Against Brentford in January, he recorded a top speed of 23.22 mph – the highest ever in the Premier League.

He also brings that coveted attribute of being left-handed, which allows him to turn when receiving the ball from Vicario and spread the ball wider.

Granted, the Dutchman had a stinker against Newcastle and was arguably at fault for three of his goals, slipping twice, but it’s been a positive first season for him.

Micky van de Ven recorded the fastest speed in Premier League history and impressed in his first season at Spurs

Left back: Marc Cucurella (Chelsea)

Destiny Udogie or Ben Chilwell would usually fill this position, but both are out.

Cucurella has improved this season and had a strong run of games in Chilwell’s absence.

Considered a bit of a coward since his arrival at the club, he has progressed to reconcile his offensive instincts and his defensive functions.

Marc Cucurella is in our squad due to absences but has improved his form this campaign

Central midfielder: Pape Matar Sarr (Tottenham)

Sarr’s energy in the Spurs engine room is indispensable.

He had to wait a bit for his Spurs debut, which he made in January last season, but this year his industry and ability to win the ball have benefited them.

Yves Bissouma is a similar player and has every right to say he deserves this spot, but he hasn’t had as many minutes recently, so Sarr narrowly edges him out.

Pape Matar Sarr’s energy in midfield is a big plus for Spurs, as is his ability to win the ball back.

Central midfielder: Conor Gallagher (Chelsea)

It would be a real shame for Chelsea to part ways with Conor Gallagher, as he has been a rare orb of consistency in a year of disarray.

He is set to enter the final year of his contract without any progress in negotiations and, even if Mauricio Pochettino wants to keep him, Chelsea bosses may be licking their lips at the idea of ​​selling a youth product for purely profit purposes.

His box-to-box efforts will pair well with Sarr’s enthusiasm for running.

Conor Gallagher has been a rare constant in a turbulent season for Chelsea but could leave

Right winger: Cole Palmer (Chelsea)

Unbeatable in this team, no matter who is in shape.

A total of 25 goals and 13 assists this season speaks for itself. Palmer is electric and conjures moments of magic out of nothing.

Mail Sport’s Ian Herbert thinks Palmer should give Phil Foden the Footballer of the Year award. At the very least, he’s present in the conversation.

He’s doing all this in a turbulent Chelsea team, remember. It thrives in conditions hostile to success.

Mail Sport’s Ian Herbert thinks Cole Palmer should name Phil Foden footballer of the year

Attacking midfielder: James Maddison (Tottenham)

Is Maddison the same player since his mid-season ankle injury? No.

Ten games into his career with Spurs, he had three goals, five assists and his new employers were top of the Premier League.

In his last six league matches he has not scored a goal or an assist and has been substituted in his last nine.

His quality, however, is undeniable and fans are convinced that he will reach a milestone sooner rather than later.

James Maddison hasn’t returned to his pre-injury form but remains a key player for Spurs

Left winger: Nicolas Jackson (Chelsea)

It was a toss-up between Jackson, Raheem Sterling, Timo Werner and Mykhailo Mudryk for this one. Perhaps it would have been better to leave the space blank.

Jackson received a lot of criticism this year, but he shouldered the burden respectably from the start.

He arrived for £32m in a mostly eye-catching two months at Villarreal and, at the age of 22, scored 13 goals. It’s not a shame.

Mail Sport moves him to their less familiar left wing. He hasn’t been a prolific goalscorer but his technical abilities are evident.

Nicolas Jackson took a lot of stick for his finish but he’s young and has redeeming qualities

Son Heung-min has taken to his new role as a striker very well and is an ideal captain.

Forward: Son Heung-min (Tottenham)

Son is not a natural striker and has had to replace Harry Kane since leaving for Bayern Munich, but he is doing a good job.

He has 16 goals and nine assists this season, leading the line and adapting to a new tactical style.

The 31-year-old is a talismanic captain and a perfect ambassador for the club. Mail Sport makes him our captain too.