With 7 wins in their last 7 games, Antonio Conte’s Chelsea are now at the top of the Premier League table 13 games into the new Premier League season. They have established themselves as one of the strongest sides in the tournament and though they have their weaknesses, they are now the hardest team to beat in the league and will surely provide a tough competition for Pep Guardiola’s side on their trip to the Etihad. It is a clash between two of the top three sides in the points table and is sure to produce an electrifying game on the night. Conte is not expected to experiment for this game and will go with his strongest lineup. Here is the predicted lineup that Conte might field for this game.
Team News:
Chelsea do not have too many injuries to worry about as Kurt Zouma and Van Ginkel are also nearing full fitness. Skipper John Terry and midfielder John Obi-Mikel are the only players missing from this trip to the Etihad.
Formation: 3-4-3
Thibaut Courtois:
The Belgian international is the first choice shot-stopper for Conte this season and should keep his place.
Cesar Azpilicueta:
The Spaniard has been excellent at the back for Conte and has helped Chelsea to 7 straight victories. He should start this game in a similar position for Chelsea.
David Luiz:
Impressing more by the day, the Brazil defender has been solid at the heart of the Chelsea defence and will have to play an important role against City.
Gary Cahill:
The English defender has put in some consistent performances recently and Conte will hope that he can continue his form this weekend.
Victor Moses:
The scorer of the winner in the previous round, Moses, should start in his wing back position, and will be full of confidence going into this game.
N Golo Kante:
The former Leicester City midfielder has been in sublime form for Chelsea this season and he will have to control the midfield if Chelsea are to take anything from the game.
Nemanja Matic:
The Serbian has been decent in a midfield role in front of the defence and he will have his work cut out against Manchester City away from home.
Marcos Alonso:
Establishing himself as the first choice wing back on the left under Conte, Alonso, should keep his place in the side for this game against Manchester City.
Pedro:
The former Barcelona man scored a screamer against Tottenham to equalize and he should put in a similar performance if Chelsea are to take anything from this game.
Eden Hazard:
The Belgian has been one of the best players for the side this season and he should keep his place in the squad. With an under par performance against Tottenham, Hazard would be itching to get on the scoresheets against one of the toughest teams in the Premier League.
Diego Costa:
The highest goal scorer in the league so far this season, Costa, will be the biggest threat for City at the Etihad.