Chelsea will lock horns with Manchester City at Stamford Bridge on Saturday evening, hoping to pick up a positive result and proceed into the FA Cup finals. The Blues recorded a 1-0 loss versus Porto in midweek, whereas the Citizens registered a 2-1 win over Borussia Dortmund.
Thomas Tuchel will probably opt for the 3-4-3 formation with a few tweaks from the last game. Timo Werner might get the nod over Kai Havertz, whereas Hakim Ziyech looks likely to make his way back into the starting eleven.
3-4-3 Chelsea Predicted Line-Up Vs Manchester City
Defence
Kepa Arrizabalaga will replace Edouard Mendy in between the sticks for the upcoming home encounter. The Spanish shot-stopper will hope to put up a strong performance and secure a clean sheet on Saturday.
Thiago Silva, who played the full ninety minutes against Porto, is expected to feature again at the heart of Blues’ backline, whereas Kurt Zouma might replace Antonio Rudiger at the left centre-back spot. Cesar Azpilicueta will fulfil the right centre-back position.
However, their prime objective will be to keep Kevin De Bruyne quiet throughout the ninety minutes.
Midfield
N’Golo Kante and Jorginho will fulfil the holding midfield positions, with the former occupying a more central role. The pair would be looking to dominate the midfield proceedings.
Mateo Kovacic failed to feature against Porto midweek after picking up an injury in training the day before the game.
“It was very sad to see Kova yesterday after 20 minutes in training, to have this little muscle injury from more or less out of nothing.” – Thomas Tuchel stated in his post-match press conference.
“He felt his hamstring, I was very sad for him, and also, we don’t have so many experienced players when it comes to the Champions League. I think he is for sure out for the game against City as well, so it’s a big loss.”
Marcos Alonso might replace Ben Chilwell at the left wing-back position, whereas Callum Hudson-Odoi will fill in on the other flank as the right wing-back.
Attack
Mason Mount and Hakim Ziyech will slot into the attacking midfield roles. The duo would be determined to set up some clear cut goal-scoring chances for the front-men.
Timo Werner will lead the line for the home side against Manchester City. The German striker has found himself struggling in front of the goal this season, so he’ll be determined to impress against Pep Guardiola’s men.
Olivier Giroud might come on to make a cameo appearance in the second forty-five minutes.
