Chelsea face Manchester City in the Premier League early kick-off on Saturday at Stamford Bridge. The Blues are three points clear of the visitors and remain unbeaten this season.
There are set to be some changes to Thomas Tuchel’s starting XI to face the reigning Champions.
Edouard Mendy is set to return in goal, as Tuchel confirmed, replacing Kepa Arrizabalaga despite his impressive form.
Kepa Arrizabalaga has filled the gloves excellently, yet Chelsea will certainly want their no.1 back if he’s fit. It would be risky rushing Mendy back, but the rewards could be worthwhile.
Andreas Christensen, Thiago Silva, Antonio Rudiger, Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso could all return having been rested against Aston Villa in midweek.
Romelu Lukaku doesn’t even need to be introduced to this XI – he’s top of the VIP list – but who will be the Belgian’s two guests?
Timo Werner scored on Wednesday, a first goal for Chelsea since May, so would feel hard done by if Tuchel omitted him from the team.
Tuchel switched to a midfield three in the second half against Tottenham Hotspur in the Blues’ last Premier League match, as Chelsea scored three goals in the half to win comfortably.
This system could be used from the start against Manchester City as Jorginho and Mateo Kovacic were rested against Aston Villa in the Carabao Cup and N’Golo Kante only played one half.
Overloading the midfield could give Chelsea greater control against a possession based Manchester City and with Mason Mount’s injury, which will see him miss the match, a stable midfield will be necessary.
Chelsea Predicted XI vs Man City: Mendy; Rudiger, Silva, Christensen; Azpilicueta, Jorginho, Kovacic, Alonso; Kante Lukaku, Werner
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