Chelsea aim to return back to winning ways in the Premier League on Thursday evening when they entertain Manchester City at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues suffered a blow in the race for a top-four finish after drawing 1-1 with Nottingham Forest away on New Year’s Day. A trip to Forest did at least allow them to end their miserable three-game losing run away from home in all competitions, but Graham Potter would have been mightily disappointing for returning to west London with just a solitary point.
However, Potter and co. must quickly turn their focus towards Man City, who were held to a 1-1 draw by Everton at the Etihad Stadium last weekend.
Chelsea Team News
Reece James’ latest knee injury has seen him join long-term absentees Armando Broja and N’Golo Kante on the sidelines.
Graham Potter will not be able to recall Wesley Fofana either, but there is optimism over Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who has now returned to training from a calf injury and Ben Chilwell, although the latter may have to wait until the trip to Fulham next week. Edouard Mendy, meanwhile, remains a doubt with his shoulder problem.
Predicted Chelsea Lineup vs Man City (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper
Kepa Arrizabalaga has been a steady performer in goal ever since being reinstalled as Chelsea’s No.1 by Graham Potter. He should have been disappointed after failing to keep a clean sheet at Nottingham Forest.
Defence
Ahead of Kepa, Chelsea are expected to line up again in a 4-3-3 formation. Cesar Azpilicueta should continue deputising at right-back for the injured Reece James, while Marc Cucurella looks to enjoy a solid outing from the left-back position.
Thiago Silva and Kalidou Koulibaly are a certainty in central defence, and the duo have to be at their best to keep an in-form Erling Haaland quiet in midweek.
Midfield
Jorginho should act as the single pivot in midfield, trying to control the tempo of play with his passing ability and game-reading skills. The Italian has to be better than what he showed at Forest. Mason Mount is a certainty in the Blues’ engine room, while Mateo Kovacic could be recalled into the starting XI at the expense of Denis Zakaria.
The trio of Jorginho, Mount and Kovacic have to be crisp with their passing and work tirelessly throughout the game to dominate Man City in the middle of the park.
Attack
Facing his former employers should give extra motivation to Raheem Sterling, who scored in the 1-1 draw with Forest. Potter could deploy Sterling in a false 9 role, with Kai Havertz dropping down to the bench.
Hakim Ziyech made a telling impact against Forest last time out, which should be enough to earn him a start on the right flank. Christian Pulisic’s encouraging displays after the Premier League’s restart means he will likely retain his place on the left wing.
