Chelsea vs Manchester City Predictions: Predicted Chelsea XI
Chelsea will travel across London to the Wembley stadium to face Manchester City in the final of the EFL Cup. A potentially season-defining fixture both both sides, Chelsea face a difficult task having been demolished by Manchester City 6-0 at the Etihad only a couple of weeks ago.
Maurizio Sarri’s men played well in midweek against Malmo after bouncing back from the 2-0 FA Cup defeat to the Etihad Stadium club’s city rivals. Having never won a professional trophy, Sarri will be hoping to make history by winning this cup for the Blues.
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Marco Van Ginkel’s ACL injury has definitely ruled him out of contention for this fixture. Also, both Pedro and Davide Zappacosta are doubts for this fixture with an upset stomach and illness respectively.
First-choice goalkeeper Kepa Arizzabalaga could miss this key fixture with a thigh problem while English stats Gary Cahill and Danny Drinkwater are both ruled out of contention with little niggles of their own.
Predicted Chelsea XI
Formation: 4-3-3
Manager: Maurizio Sarri
GK – Willy Caballero
The Argentine had a fairly assured against Malmo but could be in for a busy night against the holding Premier League Champions.
RB – Cesar Azpilicueta
The Spanish skipper had a howler against Pep Guardiola’s side last time out and will be hoping to make amends in this cup final.
RCB – Antonio Rudiger
The German international’s consistency has been commendable and he will be key in keeping the City forwards out this weekend.
LCB – David Luiz
The former Paris Saint Germain centre-half has had a mixed bag of a season and this match could potentially change that.
LB – Marcos Alonso
With Emerson given the nod over the Spaniard on midweek, expect Alonso to return to his usual role in the starting XI
RCM – N’Golo Kante
The Frenchman is still being utilised in the attacking role rather than his preferred role of playing as the team’s anchor.
CDM – Jorginho
The Italian’s performances have been criticised recently and he will be eager to put things right with the Chelsea fans.
LCM – Matteo Kovacic
The Croatian loanee from Real Madrid was used in Jorginho’s role against Malmo and he did well both on and off the ball.
RW – Willian
The Brazilian had a good game with Malmo in Europe and will be hoping to avoid another drubbing at the hands of City.
ST – Gonzalo Higuain
The Argentine veteran was brought in to score goals and while he hasn’t quite opened the floodgates yet, there have been signs of his true potential.
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LW – Eden Hazard
The one person on the pitch who absolutely has to perform up to his usual best if Chelsea are to have even a shout in this tie.
