Chelsea head into this game against Manchester City knowing that they need to win. Otherwise, they will have a mountain to climb to finish in the Champions League spots. Of course, that is easier said than done. Pep Guardiola’s side have won four of their last five games at Stamford Bridge. The last time they lost against the Blues, it was in the Champions League final in 2021. BlueCo did not even own the club at that point.
On top of that, Man City will be starting to fancy their chances in this title race. Arsenal lost this weekend. So, Guardiola’s side will have an extra pep in their step, if you will.
Chelsea have made things somewhat harder for themselves by leaving out Enzo Fernandez from the starting XI. The Argentine is a reliable option in midfield, a consistent source of goals and assists, and a leader. Perhaps a one-game ban would have been a much better idea.
The lineup for the game against Manchester City has now been made official. And there is one selection decision from Liam Rosenior that seems to be worrying the Chelsea fans.
Chelsea fans worried by Liam Rosenior’s selection decision against Manchester City
Most had expected Tosin Adarabioyo to start the game. Of course, he is not the best option that Chelsea have at centre-back. But with Trevoh Chalobah out, at least he would add some aerial ability in defence. And his performance against Port Vale in midweek was pretty good.
Rosenior has made a bold call though. He has gone with a centre-back pairing of Wesley Fofana and Jorrel Hato. And that has a lot of supporters worried about what is in store against Man City.
One popular Chelsea fan account wrote: “This pairing worries me. They are not the best in the air. How are they going to handle crosses against Haaland?”
Another wrote: “Hato at CB in a back four? Welp.”
Jorrel Hato as centre-back might not be the best option vs Man City
Credit where it is due, Hato has stepped up in recent months. He had started slowly at Chelsea but has been one of the club’s better performers lately.
That being said, his best performances have come at left-back. He does not look like someone who is going to be a centre-back in the Premier League.
So, starting him as a centre-back against Manchester City is a bold claim. Some might call it a bad decision. If it turns out poorly for Chelsea, that will only raise further questions over Rosenior’s future. Time shall tell. But going into the game, one has to consider Guardiola’s side heavy favourites, that is for sure.
