Chelsea will battle it out with Manchester City at Stamford Bridge on Saturday evening looking to bounce back from their 2-1 midweek defeat at the hands of Wolves. Maurizio Sarri had made a fantastic start to his managerial career at West London but would now go through his biggest test yet when the reigning champions of England visit the Pensioners this weekend.
The Italian boss is expected to go for a 4-3-3 formation and might make a few changes to his team for this contest.
4-3-3 Chelsea Predicted Lineup To Face Manchester City
Defence
Kepa Arrizabalaga will retain his place as Chelsea’s number one goalkeeper this weekend despite conceding two goals against Wolves in midweek. The Spanish shot-stopper has kept four clean sheets in his last six starts for the Pensioners which is quite impressive for a keeper still adjusting to life in England.
The centre-half pair of David Luiz and Antonio Rudiger is expected to start in Sarri’s first-team, but they would have a tough task of dealing with the threat of the City attackers.
Cesar Azpilicueta will operate as the right-back and will be responsible for coping with the pace and trickery of Raheem Sterling in the wide areas. Marcos Alonso will play on the other side as he looks to stop Riyad Mahrez’s threat and link up with Hazard going forward.
Man City are currently flying high in the league so it will be a tough test for the Chelsea defence on Saturday evening.
Midfield
Sarri might opt to go for the midfield trio of Ross Barkley, Jorginho and N’Golo Kante who are all ready to start against the Citizens this weekend. Ruben Loftus-Cheek scored against Wolves in midweek and was arguably Sarri’s best player on the pitch. But the Italian head coach might decide to rest him for this massive clash at Stamford Bridge, mainly due to the hectic upcoming schedule over the Christmas period.
Mateo Kovacic could be a part of the Chelsea bench and is expected to come on in the second half as an impact substitute.
Attack
Eden Hazard got an assist in midweek which will give him some much-needed confidence going into this weekend’s crucial encounter versus City. The Belgian needs to have a good game so that he can get the best out of Alvaro Morata and Willian, who are both set to feature at Stamford Bridge as part of the Chelsea attack.
