Here’s the expected lineup for the Chelsea clash against Man City…
Jose Mourinho is expected to deploy an adjusted XI against Premier League title rivals Manchester City today, with an extra holding midfielder used away at the Etihad.
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With two anchoring midfielders, and two wide-men, here’s the formation and side we expect to see…
GK) Thibaut Courtois
The Belgian is the regular no.1 now,and Petr Cech will likely remain on the bench.
DR) Branislav Ivanovic
The powerful Serb is one of the first names on the team-sheet.
DL) Cesar Azpilicueta
Filipe Luis started midweek, but Azpilicueta is likely to be recalled, as he barely ever puts a foot wrong at left-back.
DC) John Terry
The club captain will be charged with keeping the likes of Sergio Aguero and David Silva quiet.
DC) Gary Cahill
Is there a better centre-back partnership than Terry and Cahill? Probably not.
DMC) Nemanja Matic
The holding midfielder is charged with controlling tempo and breaking up opposition attacks.
MC) Ramires
We reckon the Brazilian will be selected to provide energy and work-rate to the midfield – meaning one less attacking midfielder will be used.
MC) Cesc Fabregas
The world-class Spaniard has the ability to cut the City defence apart with intricate through-balls.
AMR) Willian
Willian provides defensive work on the right of the midfield, and is likely to be given the nod as a result.
AML) Eden Hazard
Arguably the best player in the Premier League, Hazard will face a huge battle against Pablo Zabaleta, arguably the best right-back in the top flight.
FC) Diego Costa
The barnstorming striker has scored seven so far in four matches, and few would bet against him adding to his tally. He was rested in the Champions League midweek, and will almost certainly be recalled despite a slight hamstring problem.
