Chelsea have been on a fantastic run of form in the Premier League, winning all 6 of their last 6 league games, but face an incredibly tough challenge in the form of Manchester City on Saturday.
Frank Lampard’s side leapfrogged Manchester City after the Sky Blues lost against Liverpool before the international break almost a fortnight ago.
The Blues face City at the Etihad on Saturday, the same stadium where they lost 6-0 to Manchester City last season, and it’s also worth mentioning that City are usually at their best after they’ve lost a game.
Chelsea Team News
Antonio Rudiger and Ruben Loftus-Cheek are out of contention due to long-term injuries. Christian Pulisic was hauled off in the game against Crystal Palace due to a hip injury, but he should return for the Blues.
Ross Barkley could return to the Chelsea squad for the high-profile game as well, but it remains to be seen if he will make the lineup.
Let’s take a look at the team that Frank Lampard may put out for Saturday:
Predicted Chelsea Lineup vs Manchester City
Goalkeeper
Kepa should start in goal for Chelsea against Manchester City, having played all 12 games in the league this season.
Defence
Fikayo Tomori and Kurt Zouma have started the last few games as the centre-half pairing, and the duo should retain their places at the heart of the Blues defence.
Andreas Christensen is another option at the back for Lampard, but the lack of match fitness coupled with the good form of Tomori and Zouma could the Dane out.
Reece James played in place of captain César Azpilicueta due to the experienced right-back’s suspension. But, Azpilicueta should return to the Chelsea lineup, with Emerson playing at left-back.
Midfield
Lampard has several midfielders to choose from with the possible return of Ross Barkley from injury. Jorginho and Mateo Kovacic have been in good form in the centre of the park, and excelled even in N’Golo Kante’s absence.
The trio of Kante, Jorginho and Kovacic should start in midfield for Chelsea, while Mason Mount is an option as well.
Attack
Tammy Abraham will perhaps be one of the first players on the Chelsea lineup as the Englishman has racked up 10 goals – one more than Manchester City’s Sergio Aguero. Willian has had a good run of games on Chelsea’s right, and he should start for the Blues.
Lampard, though, will have some difficulty in choosing between young attackers Mason Mount and Christian Pulisic for the left-wing role.
Mount has been off-colour in the last few games, while Pulisic has been in good form, scoring five goals in the last five Premier League games. Pulisic could get the nod over Mount for this game, provided he is 100% fit and shakes of his injury.
