Chelsea restarted their Premier League campaign with a 2-1 win over Aston Villa during the weekend but next up they face a sterner test in the form of Manchester City.
The Blues are inching closer to that third spot on the league table but beating City will be an uphill battle especially with the kind of form Guardiola’s men are in right now.
Chelsea have lost just one out of their last six league outings but if they drop points in midweek then the race for the final spot in the top-four will open up once again.
Frank Lampard has more or less a fully fit squad to choose from on Thursday so it will be interesting to see as to who makes it to the starting line-up and who drops to the bench.
Chelsea team news vs Man City:
Antonio Rudiger and Christensen did a fine job in central defence vs Villa and the pair should reprise their roles in midweek.
Azpilicueta started at right-back during the weekend but we have a feeling Reece James will replace him vs City while Marcos Alonso keeps his place in the starting line-up.
Jorginho returns from suspension and will straight away slot into the defensive midfielder’s role while Kante moves on the right-hand side of midfield. Mateo Kovacic will hopefully keep his place meaning Ruben Loftus-Cheek will drop to the bench.
Willian has been a key figure on the right wing for Chelsea this season and with Hudson-Odoi still out with an ankle injury, the Brazilian will start vs Man City. Pedro could replace him in the second half if Lampard needs fresh legs upfront.
Mason Mount will surely make way for Christian Pulisic on the left flank after the American impressed with his performance vs Villa on Sunday.
Tammy Abraham started on the bench vs Aston Villa but the youngster will be back in the starting line-up vs Manchester City in midweek.
Olivier Giroud got Chelsea’s second goal of the match during the weekend and some pundits think the Frenchman might get the nod ahead of Abraham since he has the momentum.
Lampard would love to rotate his squad and rest some of his players but the Chelsea boss will not have the luxury to do that given the gravitas of the encounter.
Injury updates via Premier Injuries.
