Chelsea predicted XI vs. Man City: Will the 4-3-3 bring back winning ways?
Chelsea will attempt to dig itself out of a hole against Manchester City at Stamford Bridge, but which XI gives the Blues the best chance to do so?
Chelsea needs a win, and quickly. The Blues have picked up just four points in five games and the fans are losing their minds, to say the least. They welcome Manchester City to Stamford Bridge, a fixture they won last season, but they will know that winning that same fixture this season will take a lot more effort and passion. Frank Lampard and his men know that they cannot afford to continue losing games and putting out subpar performances, so something has to give.
Here’s who we think Lampard gives a run out in the starting XI against Pep Guardiola’s centurions:
Edouard Mendy (No. 16) Goalkeeper, Senegal
Edouard Mendy started his Chelsea career flying, but has now picked up a single clean sheet in five league games. He’s still Chelsea’s best goalkeeper because he still does all the things he’d normally do when keeping clean sheets: Snuffing out danger from crosses early, distributing the ball well and making key saves to save the Blues from general embarrassment. He let in three goals against Arsenal, but he also made four key saves, it makes you wonder how bad that result could’ve been. All the Chelsea players just need to calm down, they seem to be somewhere else mentally. They need to clear their heads and prepare for an actually difficult opponent in Manchester City; a team that, when given the chance, will do nothing less than embarrass you.
Cesar Azpilicueta (No. 28) Right back, Spain
Cesar Azpilicueta has been sidelined this season by Reece James, and rightly so, not that the Spaniard is not perfectly capable of stepping in and doing a job for Chelsea. Azpilicueta discussed last season how James has been developing and how prepared he was to hand over primary right back duties when the time came. James has been unfit and was rushed back against Arsenal, a decision that turned out to be a bad one. Azpilicueta played against West Ham and Aston Villa and it’s clear that he’s still very focused and sharp. He always sets the standard for performance on the pitch, and he seems to still be one of the few defenders on the Blues’ roster who can actually organize a defense.
Kurt Zouma (No. 15) Centerback, France
Kurt Zouma was sorely missed against Aston Villa at both ends of the pitch, as Chelsea did not pose a single threat from corners in that game. The Frenchman’s presence at the back was also missing. Zouma’s absence from the 20-man team that welcomed Aston Villa was understandable as he had just put in a full shift two days earlier. The Frenchman’s intelligence is often overlooked, his technical ability is too, but fans are beginning to really appreciate Zouma as much as they should. Zouma has played every game for the Blues except two, and interestingly, the Blues have not won a game without him on the pitch. He’s a lot more influential than fans realise. Chelsea will need everything Zouma offers and then some against Manchester City, and with him in the side, the Blues have a higher chance of getting their desired result.
Thiago Silva (No. 6) Centerback, Brazil
If anyone has doubted the Brazilian’s ability in recent times, it’s because they’ve doubted the ability of all the Chelsea players on the club’s payroll in the past few games. Thiago Silva has been magnificent, and he has formed a strong partnership with Zouma. Silva’s role in starting attacks for Chelsea is one that may have been overlooked by many. He leads the Blues starting centerbacks for progressive passes per game (3.52). He has scored two Premier League goals already this season, and with the Blues’ intricate corner routines, he’s likely to score more. He’s contributing his own share at both ends of the pitch.
Ben Chilwell (No. 21) Left back, England
Speaking of progressive passes per game, Ben Chilwell leads all Chelsea defenders in that regard with 6.08. He has been superb this season—except that Arsenal … thing. He really has been very good though, he’s made 1.3 key passes per game, which is OK for a fullback. Chilwell has settled into the Blues’ back line, as well as the dressing room. He has recorded two goals and four assists in the league already, which is impressive and ranks amongst the best in the league in his spot. He’s Chelsea’s best left back and while Emerson should probably have started against Arsenal, it does seem like Chilwell is back now and should start against Man City. His speed to get back into position and his ability to stretch the pitch would come in handy against Guardiola’s men.