Chelsea beat Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-final this week but they will have no time to breathe as they now prepare to face Manchester City in the Premier League this weekend.
Both these English sides will meet each other in the Champions League final later this month so this Saturday’s match will be a great yardstick to map out each other’s strengths and weaknesses.
The Blues have been in peak form under Thomas Tuchel and are undefeated in 14 of their last 15 matches in the Premier League. Right now, they have one of the most well-oiled defences in the English top division.
Chelsea have kept a clean sheet in 7 of their last 9 matches in the league but that defence will be put to test against a team like Manchester City this weekend, especially since they have just come out of an energy-sapping second leg vs Real Madrid on Wednesday. Also, the London side will have 24 hours less to rest and this could play a key factor in determining the outcome of this match.
A loss for Chelsea could see them loose that gap in the fourth spot cause if West Ham manage to win their respective match then the Blues will remain fourth based only on goal difference.
Chelsea team news vs Manchester City:
Edouard Mendy had a fine outing in goal in midweek and he will keep his place despite the fact that Tuchel will be itching to give him some rest.
Thiago Silva has just returned from injury so it will be a good idea for the manager to rest his ageing legs. But we will have to wait and see if the Chelsea boss is willing to take this gamble or not. Christensen and Rudiger will keep their place in central defence.
Azpilicueta looked exhausted towards the end of the match in midweek and we are sure he’s going to get the night off with Reece James coming back into the side against City.
Ben Chilwell could also start on the bench since Marcos Alonso has been in pretty decent form over the past few months.
Mateo Kovacic is facing a race against time to be fit for Saturday’s game and Tuchel is desperate to bring him back so he can rest N’Golo Kante. If Kovacic is not fit then Kante and Jorginho will once again pair up in midfield.
Christian Pulisic had a really positive impact when he came off the bench vs Real Madrid and we think the American international will get a start vs Manchester City, in place of Timo Werner.
Mason Mount scored Chelsea’s second goal on Thursday while Kai Havertz hit the post twice on the same night. Both of them are likely to keep their place in the starting line-up this weekend.
How the Blues could line up vs Man City:
Predicted Starting XI: Edouard Mendy; Christensen, Rudiger, Thiago Silva/Zouma; N’Golo Kante/Kovacic, Jorginho, Reece James, Marcos Alonso; Kai Havertz, Christian Pulisic, Mason Mount.
Stats via Whoscored.
