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Chelsea predicted lineup vs Manchester City: 5 changes as 4-2-3-1 shape preferred

By Parth Jhaveri

LED board shows match information prior to the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Manchester City and Chelsea (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
LED board shows match information prior to the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Manchester City and Chelsea (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images) /
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Denis Zakaria of Chelsea (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images) /

Midfield:

Central midfield: Conor Gallagher

Conor Gallagher has the ability to run tirelessly in midfield and give energy to the side. He has ball winning and ball retention capabilities which will be crucial against a world class City midfield. He is good at counter pressing and also making challenges to win the ball back. Potter must use him instead of Jorginho for this game, as Chelsea will need more energy in the middle of the pitch.

Central midfield: Denis Zakaria

Denis Zakaria was not even considered as a reliable bench option at the start of the season, but the arrival of Potter and subsequent injuries to the likes of Kante and Loftus-Cheek has allowed the Swiss man to showcase his abilities.

Tenacious and never shy to work for the ball, Zakaria was one of the best performers in the 1-0 loss to Man City. He has neat dribbling skills in his locker to resist the press and even join the attack when needed.

Attacking midfield: Kai Havertz

Kai Havertz played in the No.10 role after Sterling was injured and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang came on. The German looked at home in the position and had an immense presence in the midfield.

Havertz is competent at causing problems to the opposition by getting the ball between the lines and progressing forward. Many would argue that he is better suited for a role behind the striker rather than operating as a lone man upfront.

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