How Chelsea Can Lineup In Their Crucial PL Clash against Manchester City

Chelsea will be up against a high-flying Manchester City side in their next Premier League game at the Etihad Stadium.

Thomas Tuchel would hope his team can close the gap on Pep Guardiola’s men who are currently ten points clear at the top of the Premier League table.

Chelsea played out a 2-2 draw in their last Premier League game against Liverpool at Stamford Bridge a couple weeks ago.

However, Thomas Tuchel knows he can’t afford to clinch that same result when his team takes on the current league leaders, Manchester City.

Thomas Tuchel is expected to field his best starting lineup against Manchester City. Tuchel might just make a couple of changes to the side that came from behind to clinch a 2-2 draw against Liverpool at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea’s possible lineup against Manchester City (3-4-3)

Goalkeeper: Kepa Arrizabalaga

With Eduoard Mendy currently representing Senegal at the 2021 AFCON tournament, the Spanish goalkeeper is certainly going to be called upon.

Defenders: Thiago Silva, Rudiger, and Christensen

Thiago Silva and Rudiger are indispensable at the back especially in big games. Thomas Tuchel knows how important Rudiger and Silva are and he can’t afford to place any of the duo on the bench against Manchester City.

Christensen could also be called upon in the absence of Chalobah. The Danish defender was instrumental for Chelsea in their last game against Tottenham in the Carabao Cup – playing against City wouldn’t be off the cards.

Wing-backs: Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso

Though, Alonso has been under heavy criticism since he replaced injured Ben Chilwell in Thomas Tuchel’s regular starting lineup. However, he had a fair performance in Chelsea’s last game against Liverpool. The Spanish left-back might be called upon when Chelsea takes on City at the Etihad Stadium.

In the absence of Reece James, Azpilicueta remains the only recognised right-back in the team. The veteran defender is expected to start in Chelsea’s crucial test against City.

Midfielders: Kovacic and Kante

Kovacic and Kante might get another opportunity to run the show against Manchester City. Both players had their best performance of the season in Chelsea’s last PL game against Liverpool.

Attackers: Mount and Havertz

Kai Havertz has proven to be an important player for Chelsea in recent times. The silky German links up well with the midfielders and that part of his game might be exactly what Chelsea needs against City.

Mason Mount’s workrate off the ball would be needed against City as well. With City most likely going to dominate possession, Mason Mount’s contribution would be important.

Striker: Lukaku

Romelu Lukaku hasn’t adapted to Tuchel’s style as he continues to struggle in front of goal. However, the Belgian forward could get another opportunity to impress against Manchester City.