In the first of two consecutive matches against Manchester City, we look at the Chelsea predicted lineup for the Premier League clash between the two rivals. While rotating may be on the cards for the FA Cup, all hands are on deck for this one.
Predicted Chelsea Lineup vs Manchester City in Premier League Action
How Have Chelsea Lined Up Recently
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has lost his starting place as Kai Havertz has been tasked with leading the line in recent games. The German international tends to be backed up by Mason Mount, Raheem Sterling and Christian Pulisic. Behind that trio, things get a little dicier as Jorginho and Denis Zakaria have occupied the two defensive midfield spots, but Mateo Kovacic’s return after the World Cup may change that.
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Kepa Arrizabalaga is the firm number one, with a defensive four of Thiago Silva, Kalidou Koulibaly, Marc Cucurella, and Cesar Azpilicueta being the most familiar faces.
Chelsea Recent Tactics and Form
Since the World Cup ended the Blues have been using a 4-2-3-1 formation to mixed results, we have also seen them experiment with a three at the back although the lack of available wing-backs has led to that being phased out.
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Graham Potter has yet to find a formation and setup that works as his team are on one of the worst runs in recent club history.
Chelsea Absences to Consider
New signing David Datro Fofana is not expected to play any part in this game as outlined by Potter in his pre-match conference. Ruben Loftus-Cheek is back in training but likely won’t feature, meanwhile Wesley Fofana, Edouard Mendy, Ben Chilwell, N’Golo Kante, and Reece James remain sidelined.
Predicted Chelsea Lineup
The 4-2-3-1 is expected to return with the following starting eleven:
GK – Kepa Arrizabalaga
LB – Marc Cucurella
CB – Thiago Silva
CB – Kalidou Koulibaly
RB – Cesar Azpilicueta
DM – Jorginho
DM – Mateo Kovacic
AM – Christian Pulisic
AM – Mason Mount
AM – Raheem Sterling
ST – Kai Havertz
