Kurt Zouma To Start – Strongest 3-4-3 Chelsea Lineup To Face Manchester City

Predicted Chelsea Lineup To Face Manchester City

Antonio Conte’s Chelsea were stunned at the weekend by a resilient Crystal Palace side who ran away 2-1 winners at Stamford Bridge at the weekend. But Conte does not have too much time to dwell on the loss as they are back in action in the midweek, as they welcome Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City to the Bridge. The Citizens drew their game against Arsenal at the weekend and if they can take all three points from this game, they can set this title race wide open for the business end of the season. Conte will know that he cannot afford any more

The Citizens drew their game against Arsenal at the weekend and if they can take all three points from this game, they can set this title race wide open for the business end of the season. Conte will know that he cannot afford any more slip-ups and will hope that his team can get the work done. However, City are in decent form and will make it tough for the Blues.

Team News

Antonio Conte has very few injuries to worry about as Victor Moses is the only first team star who will miss this tie.

Predicted Starting XI:

Formation: 3-4-3

Manager: Antonio Conte

GK – Thibaut Courtois

The first choice shot-stopper for Chelsea, Courtois is one of the best in the league and should start this game for his side.

CB – Kurt Zouma

Though not used in the league this season, Zouma should take Azpilicueta’s place in the backline to free the Spaniard for a role on the wing.

CB – David Luiz

The sweeper has been solid for Chelsea and is a mainstay at the back. He should start this game against the Citizens.

CB – Gary Cahill

The English defender will have his work cut out against the likes of Sterling and Aguero in this crunch tie.

RM – Cesar Azpilicueta

Though exceptional as a part of the back-3, Azpilicueta should replace Pedro at the wide midfield position on the right to add some mettle to the Chelsea lineup.

CM – N’Golo Kante

The midfield engine for Chelsea, Kante needs to have a good game if Chelsea are to take all three points from this tie.

CM – Nemanja Matic

The Serbian midfielder was not effective against Palace but he will have a huge role to play to control the midfield in this game against Manchester City.

RM – Marcos Alonso

The Italian has been exceptional this season but has seen a dip in form recently. He will hope to be back in form to give Chelsea a much-needed victory in this game.

RW – Pedro

Though ineffective as a wing-back in the previous game, Pedro has been excellent as a winger and Conte might push him ahead on the right wing in an attacking role.

LW – Eden Hazard

The Belgian playmaker failed to weave his magic in the game against Palace but he will be the danger man to Manchester City in this game at Stamford Bridge.

ST – Diego Costa

The Spanish striker failed to have any impact against the Eagles but he will hope to outfox the Manchester City defence to help his side to a victory.

This is how they would line up: