Predicted Chelsea Lineup To Face Manchester City In The Premier League
Following a hugely disappointing defeat against Manchester United, Chelsea will gear up for another challenging task this weekend, as they face league leaders Manchester City at the Etihad.
The Blues have undergone a frustrating season under Antonio Conte so far, after a surreal debut season under the Italian mastermind last term. The Premier League’s defending champions have found it difficult even to get into the top four. Currently sitting 5th in the league table, a win this weekend will be imperative as they look to get into the top four spots by the end of this matchday.
On the contrary, however, their weekend opponents Manchester City are arguably having their best season in club’s history. With a whopping 16-point gap over second-placed Manchester United, the Citizens are well on their way to win their first league title under Pep Guardiola. In addition, a win against Chelsea could give them a 19-point lead over Manchester United.
Team News
Ross Barkley seems like the only absentee for Chelsea at the moment. The former Everton star is currently suffering from a hamstring injury. Elsewhere, Danny Drinkwater, who started the game against Manchester United, could once again be used by Conte.
Formation: 3-4-2-1
Antonio Conte’s preferred three-man backline should be deployed against Manchester City this weekend. It will be interesting to see as to what plans does Pep Guardiola come up with, in order to counter Conte’s dynamic system.
Probable Chelsea XI
Coach: Antonio Conte
Thibaut Courtois (GK)
Thibaut Courtois will be the man between the sticks for Chelsea this weekend. The Belgian will be eager to extend his clean sheets tally, following a dismal outing against Manchester United.
Victor Moses (RWB)
As usual, Victor Moses will feature as the right wing-back for the Blues. The Nigerian International has proved himself to be a reliable option for coach Antonio Conte this season but definitely needs to work on his defensive output if he is to stop the lethal Leroy Sane.
Antonio Rudiger (LCB)
German international Antonio Rudiger should once again be preferred ahead of David Luiz in central defence. Rudiger has appeared weak at times but head coach Antonio Conte still has faith in the former AS Roma defender, as it seems.
Andreas Christensen (CB)
Andreas Christensen’s impressive breakout has been a boon for the club this season. Following his incredible performances in the Bundesliga with Borussia M’Gladbach, the Danish lad has emerged as one of the most impressive young defenders in the Premier League this campaign.
Cesar Azpilicueta (RCB)
Cesar Azpilicueta will partner Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen in central defence. The Spaniard’s versatility has been a massive key to Chelsea’s success in recent years and he will play a huge role as they look to stop the mighty Manchester City this weekend.
Marcos Alonso (LWB)
Marcos Alonso will also retain his place in the starting lineup. One of the four Spaniards expected to feature in this weekend’s encounter, Marcos Alonso has the quality to be a handful for the opposing defence as well as Bernardo Silva on the left flank.
N’Golo Kante (CM)
Arguably the most important player for Chelsea at the moment, N’Golo Kante’s presence in central midfield will be a huge boost for the visitors, especially with the absence of Man City midfielder Fernandinho. The Frenchman will play a key role in stopping City’s flow from the centre of the park.
Cesc Fabregas (CM)
Danny Drinkwater, who started in the game against Manchester United, will likely have to make way for Cesc Fabregas this weekend. The former Barcelona midfielder will be Chelsea’s main source of creativity in the middle third of the pitch.
Eden Hazard (LAM)
By far the best Chelsea player at the moment, Eden Hazard is someone who has the potential to change the game all by himself. The Belgian superstar has scored 11 goals this season and will be eager to extend his tally this weekend.
Willian (RAM)
Willian should be deployed alongside Eden Hazard in the attack. The duo has shown great understanding whenever they’ve played together. Willian, in particular, has the technical qualities, which can aid Chelsea in the final third.
Alvaro Morata (ST)
Alvaro Morata will lead the line for Chelsea this weekend. The Spaniard has been very inconsistent after signing from Real Madrid last summer. It will be interesting to see how he fares against this sturdy Man City defence.