Predicted Chelsea Line-up To Face Manchester City: Costa & Ramires Set To Start

As Chelsea visit Manchester City for the blockbuster clash of the weekend, all eyes are on the two title contenders. Mourinho’s Chelsea sit pretty on top of the table with 4 wins out of 4, while Man City are 5 points behind. It just requires one slip sometimes to lose the lead and Chelsea wouldn’t want to do so. Manager Mourinho has already confirmed that Chelsea are having no injury worries and Diego Costa is going to start the game. With all the statements in mind, here is the playing eleven likely to be fielded against Manchester City.

Goalkeeper:

Courtois: 

He has now established himself as the first choice and Cech will have a hard time getting into the team. The young Belgian is sharp and is already one of the best in the world. He’ll have to face some tough attackers in the team in the form of Sergio Aguero, Silva or Dzeko.

Defenders:

Right Back: Ivanovic

The big Serb is almost certain to start again as a Right Back. He has been performing very well these days as an attacking full back. His size and physical presence down the flank is very important for Chelsea. He is also a top quality defender.

Centre Back: Cahill

Cahill has now risen to be a consistent performer. He has had a few poor moments in the Champions League match against Schalke and would like to put them behind. Being Chelsea’s best Central Defender in the team, a lot of onus will be on him to keep Aguero quiet.

Centre Back: Terry

Terry has lost many yards of pace and looks older, but has tons of experience and organizational skills. Chelsea are likely to play a counter attacking game, which would mean Terry and his back four will be playing deep, a style that suits the skipper. He would like to gain some better momentum.

Left Back: Azpilicueta

The Spaniard is likely to be chosen over Filipe only for defensive purposes. Filipe is no less of a defender, but Azpilicueta has been the league’s best one-on-one defenders since last season and his wrong-footedness helps Chelsea accomplish a narrow system as and when required.

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Midfielders:

Central Midfield: Matic

Matic is the one who is going to play the anchor role in the double pivot. He will have his hands full with Yaya Toure once again and it would be one hell of a battle to watch. Matic had the upper hand last time they met, but the Ivorian is well capable of inflicting the same on the Serbian enforcer.

Central Midfield: Ramires

The Brazilian is likely to play next to Matic in the pivot role to offer extra protection to Chelsea’s back four which can be exposed to City’s strong attacking midfield. Ramires’ workrate and energy has always been key to Chelsea’s style in away games.  He also has immense pace for counter attacks.

Central Attacking Midfield: Fabregas

Cesc Fabregas is likely to start behind the striker, playing as the trequartista. He is likely to be the guy who will run the play for the Blues. He would be well accompanied by some of the best players in the league both in his as well as the opposition team. He’ll be closely marked by Fernandinho.

Right Midfield: Oscar

Oscar didn’t play from the start against Schalke, so he is likely to get a nod here. He is very versatile and can play wide or central. His partnership with Fabregas and versatility has helped Mourinho form various tactics in mind. They both can switch positions among themselves or also with Ramires.

Left Midfield: Hazard

He has been the real showman with his dribbling and pace. He is likely to be the tormentor for Pablo Zabaleta once again. Hazard is no more simply raw, as he now has the maturity and experience to play better in the league. He is going to be a constant menace to the defence and would be a key provider to Costa and a key combiner for Fabregas.

Striker: Costa

Who else but him? If Chelsea have a fit squad, Costa is certain to start. Though he is not 100 percent fit, he is still very much available for this match and would be resting when Chelsea play Bolton in the Capital One Cup. Costa has scored 7 already in the league and Chelsea will hope he adds a few more in the weekend.