Chelsea face a daunting task when they welcome premier league champions Man City at Stamford bridge on Thursday night under the lights. The Blues come into this fixture off the back of a disappointing 1-1 draw against relegation battling Forest. Pep’s men were also held to a frustrating draw against Everton as this mouthwatering tie lingers towards a quest for redemption. However, Graham Potter’s men are jeering up for a successive meeting against a wounded City side. If there’s any reminder as to why Chelsea can’t afford to loose to the current PL champions, it is in the unfamiliar surroundings they find themselves in the table, sitting 10th.
Chelsea team news :
Chelsea’s long list of injuries remain the same as the blues continue to struggle without key players in James, Kante, Chilwell, Mendy, Fofana and Broja. As the club’s medical team continue to work overtime on the fitness of key players, Potter is set to recall the likes of Kovacic and Ziyech into the first team.
Manchester City team news :
Manchester City are going to have to continue with life without Spanish centre back Laporte struggling with a back injury alongside Ruben Dias who is said to be suffering from an hamstring injury. City are with every member of the team bar both of those mentioned above who missed the draw against Everton at the Etihad stadium.
Chelsea’s potential line up :
Kepa, Azpilicueta, Thiago Silva, Koulibaly, Cucurella, Kovacic, Zakaria, Ziyech, Pulisic, Havertz, Sterling.
Manchester City’s potential line up :
Ederson, Walker, Stones, Akanji, Cancelo, Rodri, Gundogan, De Bruyne, Silva, Haaland, Foden.
My preferred Chelsea line up :
Kepa, Chalobah, Thiago Silva, Koulibaly, Cucurella, Kovacic, Zakaria, Ziyech, Pulisic, Havertz, Sterling.
How do Chelsea stop Haaland?
After scoring his 21st goal of the season against Everton, this is a fixture Erling Haaland would relish given Chelsea’s current malaise. Haaland to PL defences has been like a mountainous animal, a beast tearing up defenders like a worn out garment leaving them to barebones.
While a Haaland goal is more than likely at this stage, Chelsea’s only hope of nullifying the Norwegian’s threat is relying on a 38 year old veteran jewel. The entire Chelsea squad must show grit and character against a ruthless quality stricken side.
City aren’t all Haaland and aren’t all De Bruyne, they have other influential creators such as Mahrez and Grealish who offer the ability to pick apart Chelsea’s defensive line. The five at the back formations that saw Thomas Tuchel get the better of Pep Guardiola may be something that Graham Potter should consider.
Trevoh Chalobah could be an option to replace the rash Kalidou Koulibaly whilst concerns over Cesar Azpilicueta’s pace mean the likelyhood of City’s smart attackers running riot is high at present.
Regardless, Silva at 38 is Chelsea’s only refuge, aside from his defensive prowess, his organisational skills must stand the 90 minutes test. A beast needs a hunter like a hunter needs a prey, this could be a night for Silva to not just become gold, but help his others bold.
