Chelsea predicted XI vs. Man City: Lampard sticks with 4-3-3 for clash

Aston Villa's English striker Keinan Davis (L) and Chelsea's Danish defender Andreas Christensen (R) go up for a header during the English Premier League football match between Aston Villa and Chelsea at Villa Park in Birmingham, central England on June 21, 2020. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /

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Chelsea’s French midfielder N’Golo Kante (L) runs with the ball during the English Premier League football match between Aston Villa and Chelsea at Villa Park in Birmingham, central England on June 21, 2020. (Photo by MOLLY DARLINGTON/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /

Jorginho (No. 5) Defensive midfielder, Italy

Jorginho has been out due to suspension for more than a couple of games this season. If he is fit to play, expect him to start and if he starts, expect him to play at base midfield.

Jorginho’s performances have improved this season and even more so more recently. Jorginho has been making a lot of impressive interceptions in matches as the season wears on. His reading of the game would be useful in breaking up Man City’s passing attack.

N’Golo Kante (No. 7) Central midfielder, France

One could just leave Kante’s name there with no explanation and move on to the next.

Simply put, the Blues’ best chance of getting a result from the game on Thursday is having Kante on the pitch. His work rate and excellent tackling ability would be crucial in handling City’s midfield threats.

Kante’s passing range is not talked about enough, which is slightly disrespectful to the French midfielder. Kante is Chelsea’s best player and perhaps the only midfielder that would walk into Pep Guardiola’s side. Kante would be the reason why Chelsea’s other two central midfielder would have the confidence to go forward and affect the play when needed. He scored against City in the reverse fixture; more Kante goals please.

Mateo Kovacic (No. 17) Central midfielder, Croatia

Kovacic should be expected to get the nod as he has been extremely crucial in Chelsea’s midfield this season. He links up the defence and attack with ease. His ability to get out of tight spaces would be important in beating City’s high press. Kovacic’s work rate and vision mean he can make snap decisions in a relatively short time to change the situation in an instant, flipping a match on its head. His insistence on facing the play is something that seems to be lacking in many Chelsea players this season, so expect Kovacic to start.

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