Predicted team sheets for the table topping clash in London.
Chelsea and Manchester City face off in a crucial match at Stamford Bridge on Saturday that could have serious ramifications for the Premier League title come the end of the season.
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We take a look at how Jose Mourinho’s side could line up and whether the Portuguese coach will be tempted to employ a few changes after injuries and suspensions following 120 minutes of League Cup football midweek.
Here’s our XI below:
GK: Thibaut Courtois
Another commanding display midweek kept Liverpool at bay and allowed Chelsea a trip to Wembley this season.
RB: Branislav Ivanovic
His boots were filled with blood following the Blues match with Liverpool, and the Serb will be again in the starting XI despite his battle wounds.
CB: Gary Cahill
After a quite uncharacteristically poor performance against Bradford that could be attributed to Chelsea’s overall collapse saw Cahill sit out against Liverpool but you’d expect the Englishman to be back for the big occasion.
However, he’s certainly got some proving to do after the stability of his partnership with Terry has now been called into question.
CB: John Terry
The talismanic captain was once again in the thick of it against Liverpool and helped marshal a relatively nip and tuck defence to repel the Reds many attacks.
LB: Cesar Azpilicueta
Mr Consistent at the back and perhaps the only option available following the injury to Filipe Luis.
CM: Nemanja Matic
The first name on the team sheet. Matic is quite simply crucial to Mourinho’s Chelsea and will look to keep City at bay with another commanding and intelligent performance.
CM: Ramires
With Fabregas injured on Tuesday, his replacement on the night Ramires should come into the side for the Spaniard.
Perhaps a slight blessing in disguise if you ignore how key Fabregas has been to the Blues attack as Ramires will provide a more robust defensive presence in the middle than the marauding Fabregas would which could be key to stopping the likes of Aguero or Silva.
RM: Willian
Willian will need to be at his attacking best come Saturday with both Fabregas and Costa out and the goals and assists they’ve both provided.
CAM: Oscar
Oscar will be tasked with replacing the creativity a lack of Fabregas will cause.
He’s had a fine season to date and has looked brilliant going forward, he’s second in assists only behind Cesc himself and will be an able substitute against Pellegrini’s side.
LM: Eden Hazard
Another who will have to be at his best as he attempts to handle Pablo Zabaleta’s marauding runs down his flank but will exploit the spaces he leaves to great effect as he drives Chelsea on once again.
ST: Loic Remy
The key question will be just which striker will Jose Mourinho select now Diego Costa has been banned? Just how do you replace 17 goals?
Whilst Drogba would be the more sentimental choice, Remy would perhaps provide more the incisive and quick paced attack Mourinho desires as his side will look to hurt City on the counter.