Chelsea will face arguably their toughest match so far this season on Saturday evening as they play Manchester City, looking to move level on points with Pep Guardiola ‘s side.
After one of Chelsea’s best European performances in five years on Wednesday night against Atletico Madrid, it is almost certain that the players will feel the physical effects on Saturday evening, in a game which will be of very high intensity.
However the Blues will be extremely confident and a win against City would put the side in a great position heading into the international break.
Due to the fact that Danny Drinkwater is still injured, the Blues will still only have three midfielders avaliable for selection, and after the three man midfield worked excellently well in midweek, Antonio Conte will not want to change the system that made a Spanish giants look particularly average.
However, Tiemoue Bakayoko, N’Golo Kante, and Cesc Fabregas all played a major part in the famous win and there is a doubt that Conte will be able to start the trio together.
There seemed to be some concern over the fitness of Alvaro Morara, but Conte has confirmed that he is ready to fight for the team on Saturday. There are no other injury problems.
Will all that being said, here is how we think Chelsea will line up on Saturday.
GK – Thibaut Courtois
He looked calm and composed against his former club, and will expect to be even busier against Manchester City.
RWB – Victor Moses
He was one of the standout performers in the last game, and although he may be fatigued to an extent, it is imperative he starts at the weekend.
CB – Cesar Azpilcueta
After another sublime performance, he will definitely be starting in his usual position and will have the tough task of dealing with the movement of the likes of Kevin De Bruyne and David Silva.
CB – Andreas Christiensen
With David Luiz suspended, the class youngster will get another chance to portray the outstanding defensive ability he has already shown this season.
CB – Antonio Rudiger
Chelsea captain Gary Cahill put in a gutsy display against Atletico, but Rudiger has proven to be one of the signings of the summer so far, so he will get the nod ahead of the Englishman.
LWB – Marcos Alonso
The fact Alonso assisted a 94th minute winner from the right wing sums him up. His adventurous runs and overall game will be so important for Chelsea to in this match.
CM – N’Golo Kante
The Frenchman never stops running and winning the ball back. This will not change on Saturday.
CM – Cesc Fabregas
Despite mssing a guilt-edged chance in Spain, and not being overly effective, he played a vital role in the system, which allowed other players to have more freedom on the pitch, therefore it is crucial he starts in that same position.
CM – Tiemoue Bakayoko
He was a warrior on Wednesday, and although he was the culprit of giving the ball away multiple times, he is slowly adjusting to become the complete player that he has the potential to be. His new chant will also be a memorable one for Chelsea fans.
AM – Eden Hazard
It was superb to see the Belgian tear apart one of the best defences in the world, he really is back to his best.
ST – Alvaro Morata
Seven goals in seven games, and his link up with Eden Hazard is on a world class level, so he should cause the Manchester City defence a more than a few problems.
