Chelsea will square off against Manchester City at Stamford Bridge later tonight in the Premier League. The Blues will head into the game after their 2-1 win over Aston Villa on Sunday.
This will be a stern test for Frank Lampard’s side, who could close the gap to Leicester City if they win on Thursday. Chelsea are just four points behind the Foxes, but Manchester United are breathing down their necks, and are just two points behind them.
Manchester City have restarted their campaign in spectacular fashion, however, having won their two games and scoring eight goals in the process.
The game will also have big implications on the title race; should Chelsea stop Manchester City from winning, Liverpool will be crowned Champions.
Chelsea Team News
Two first-team players will miss the game against Manchester City through injury. Centre-back Fikayo Tomori is unavailable due to a muscle injury, and Callum Hudson-Odoi has an ankle injury.
Jorginho is available after being suspended for the last game against Aston Villa.
In this key game, let’s see how Chelsea will line up:
Predicted Chelsea Lineup vs Manchester City
Goalkeeper
Kepa will start in goal after a decent performance against Aston Villa last week. The Spaniard will face a sterner test against Manchester City.
Defence
Captain Cesar Azpilicueta had a very good game against Villa as he was the architect of the two goals Chelsea scored. He will make the Chelsea lineup and start at right-back, while Marcos Alonso could retain his spot on the opposite side.
With Tomori injured, Lampard has just three options in central defence – Andreas Christensen, Kurt Zouma and Antonio Rudiger.
Rudiger and Christensen have formed a good understanding at the back, and they should retain their places in central defence.
Midfield
Lampard has a few options in central midfield following the return of Jorginho from suspension.
The Italy international could go straight into the team in place of Mason Mount. N’Golo Kanté will retain his place in the Chelsea lineup, while Mateo Kovacic could also start for the Blues once again.
Ross Barkley and Ruben Loftus-Cheek are other options for Chelsea in the middle.
Attack
After his strong performance against Villa, Christian Pulisic could start for the Blues in place of Ruben Loftus-Cheek on the left side of attack.
Olivier Giroud will also keep his place following his goal against Villa, while Willian could keep his place on the right as well.
