What a tough one for Chelsea so early in the season – especially after a confidence sapping home draw against Swansea at the weekend.
What’s more, Manchester City have been the very first title contenders to show their class, with the most convincing win of the weekend by a country mile.
Chelsea will simply hope that their old boy, Kevin de Bruyne, doesn’t complete his move to City in time to rub salt in the wounds this weekend.
But, in reality, Jose Mourinho was born for these sorts of games.
To get draws from them anyway.
Even though Thibaut Courtois has lost his appeal and is suspended, Chelsea’s back line is largely watertight with Begovic marshalling Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry and Azpilicueta.
Fab will be key for Chelsea against City
Further forward, Chelsea certainly won’t go all guns ablazing.
Expect Oscar to drop out in favour of an extra defensive midfielder – probably the highly capable Ramires – and Cesc Fabregas to play behind Diego Costa in a deep lying playmaker role.
As for the wings, Chelsea surely can’t look much further than the power, pace and relentless work rate of the brilliant Eden Hazard and Willian.
We expect most of their attacking threat to come from these areas.
It’s a very difficult one to call but we reckon Chelsea will hold out for a draw.
So here is our strongest Chelsea XI vs City ( Kick Off Sunday 16:00 local time)
Chelsea fans: let’s have your elevens.
Special One
Aug 11, 2015 at 9:56 pm
Comment:we need Zouma to partner with Matic at the defensive role.
Jack
Aug 11, 2015 at 10:22 pm
“Chelsea’s back line is largely watertight”
Did not look that way against Swansea!
ste
Aug 11, 2015 at 10:53 pm
Going to get given the run around city silva will make the ball sweat while mourinhos busy shouting at his medical team excuses excuses!.
CV
Aug 12, 2015 at 6:51 pm
instead of ramires it should be rlc or zouma