Both teams have fallen short of their high expectations in the league this season, as one struggles to maintain their top four position and the other is part of the mid table mediocrity.
It has been a woeful season so far and with less than 10 games remaining of the season, Chelsea fans will need something to cheer about as Guus Hiddink has spoken about experimentation in the latter stages of one of the most unpredictable league seasons ever.
Man City on the other hand could be considered in dream land after reaching their first ever Champions League semi-final, after beating the side that knocked out this weekend’s opponents in the previous stage of Europe’s elite competition.
Although this game would’ve been considered a title decider in previous seasons, there will now be a pre-season atmosphere at Stamford Bridge as many player rotations will be made after Chelsea’s season ended a month a go and City will have key players injured and rested after their victory on Wednesday.
Here is my Predicted Chelsea XI:
Goalkeeper
Thibaut Courtois – The Belgian was dropped last weekend to give Begovic an ‘audition’ as the Belgian’s future at the club comes under questioning. Although his Bosnian counterpart put in a reasonable performance, Courtois is still the clubs first choice keeper and is vital to the team.
Defence
Cesar Azpilicueta – Due to the many absentees in Chelsea back line, Azpilicueta has returned to his more natural position on the right flank allowing him to attack more, which has benefited the team. The Spaniard consistently puts in a 7/10 performance each week and is slowly becoming the first name on the team-sheet.
Branislav Ivanovic – John Terry remains out with an injury so Ivanovic will continue as captain this weekend.
Gary Cahill – Declared fit by Guus Hiddink, Cahill will return to the starting XI after last weekend’s horror show from Matt Miazga who looked out of place in the centre of defence against Swansea.
Abdul Baba Rahman – The Ghanaian will need to be up for the battle this weekend if he wants to keep Man City’s wingers quiet. Baba has immense attacking qualities but his defensive ability has come under questioning, but hopefully he can make a statement this time out.
Midfield
John Obi Mikel – The African Zidane ended the game last weekend at the heart of our defence but will start in his natural position against Man City. Although Nemanja Matic has been declared fit, the Nigerian is still ahead of him in the pecking order.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek – It’s a different formation this time out; Loftus-Cheek has been playing in behind the striker in the last two games but has been most effective running forward from deep. The academy graduate has been the side’s best player, so I will be baffled if he is not included this time out.
Cesc Fabregas – The Spaniard will be key for any potential victory against City, being the creative spark in the team to provide for the striker. Oscar has been atrocious recently and should be dropped for the foreseeable future.
Forwards
Willian – The Brazilian has been given a rest in recent weeks but will be back in the line up this weekend and will be key for any potential success.
Diego Costa – He’s back and he’s got fire in his belly. The Spaniard missed the last 3 games through suspension but is now back and ready to cause Man City’s defence a lot of trouble.
Kenedy – The talented winger was very impressive when he came on last week and deserves another chance this weekend.
