Chelsea predicted XI vs Man City: Can it get worse with another 4-3-3?

Thiago Silva (No. 6) centerback, Brazil

Chelsea seems to have all but completed the signing of Benoit Badiashile, though Badiashile is likely to play alongside Silva, not in place of. Silva for his part, played very well against Nottingham Forest, though it wasn’t enough to get CFC the clean sheet. It’s good to see centerbacks coming through the door, as it means that the Blues don’t have to rely on Silva as much, going forward.

Kalidou Koulibaly (No. 26) centerback, Senegal

Koulibaly will also start out of necessity, with Wesley Fofana and Trevoh Chalobah out injured. He was poor in the Forest game, but it’s advisable to hold back on going all in when criticizing centerbacks, as often times, the play breaks down long before it gets to them, and they’re left having to put out fires.

Marc Cucurella (No. 32) Left back, Spain

Cucurella will be important in the Man City game, as the opposition like to attack from the flanks. He hasn’t been great this season, but there’s not many Chelsea players that have been, and his form will likely pick up as the teams begins to play better.

Jorginho (No. 5) Central midfielder, Italy

Jorginho has had to play so many games lately, which is also the case for several other Chelsea players. He and his midfield crew lost the midfield battle woefully, as they combined for two(2) defensive actions. He would have to do better than that in this game, because a poor midfield performance like this against Man City would make the Brighton game look tame.