Chelsea travels to Manchester to face Manchester City in the third round of the FA Cup. Graham Potter’s side faced City in the Premier League on Thursday and lost 1-0 at Stamford Bridge. In less than 72 hours, the two sides meet again, albeit in a different competition and different situation altogether.
Potter’s Chelsea have been dealt with major injury blows all season and the injury list keeps on expanding. Against City, Christian Pulisic and Raheem Sterling were taken off in the first half because of a knee and a hamstring injury respectively. It is unlikely for either of them to feature for the Blues on Saturday.
Sterling and Pulisic join the likes of N’Golo Kante, Reece James, Wesley Fofana, Armando Broja, Ben Chilwell and Ruben Loftus-Cheek on the treatment table. With several first team players out, Potter has no option but to rotate his side and make the best out of what’s available.
Potter has a conundrum to strike the right balance while also making sure that the workload is distributed and the team doesn’t look too weak against the mighty Manchester City. The Mancunian side eliminated Chelsea from the EFL cup, so they will be seeking out revenge in this cup competition.
Chelsea predicted lineup vs Manchester City
Goalkeeper: Kepa Aarrizabalaga
With Edouard Mendy still sidelined, Kepa will take charge between the sticks in the cup tie. Kepa might have a difficult evening to negotiate as Pep Guardiola may choose to unleash a strong attacking unit rather than rotating his team as they chase a quadruple this season.
Defence:
Right back: Cesar Azpilicueta
In absence of James, Azpilicueta is the natural replacement. Although, one might argue that he cannot raid up and down the wing with same pace and agility as James, it is important that he brings his best conservative side to the table as Chelsea look to contend the Manchester City frontline.
Centre back: Trevoh Chalobah
Thaigo Silva must be rested for this game and Trevoh Chalobah can be trusted with the responsibility in this high intensity game. If Erling Haaland staers, Chalobah will have a tough task but he’s a confident man who rarely shows nerves and has the pedigree to get the job done.
Centre back: Kalidou Koulibaly
Kalidou Koulibaly’s Chelsea career has not taken off completely as the Senegalese still searches for the consistency he showcased at Napoli. Perhaps, settling in is taking longer than expected but a solid performance against the Mancunians will do a whole lot of good for his confidence as well as for manager’s confidence in him.
Left back: Lewis Hall
Lewis Hall was the burst of energy needed on the left flank, when he came in for Marc Cucurella during the midweek clash. Hall brings that raw pace and energy to the left flank and deserves a run in the FA cup tie. Cucurella hasn’t been performing as per expectations and there is no reason for Potter to not stir things up and give Hall a chance.
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.
Attack:
Right wing: Hakim Ziyech
Hakim Ziyech started the previous game and was Chelsea’s main creative outlet in the first half. He was exceptional for Morocco at the world cup and has a chance to replicate the same kind of performances for Chelsea and provide a strong case for his inclusion in the team in the absence of Sterling and Pulisic.
Striker: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Aubameyang isn’t Potter’s preferred No.9, which is why Havertz gets the nod ahead of the Gabonese in the striker’s role. Nonetheless, Aubameyang should be given a chance in the FA Cup. He’s still quite clinical in front of the goal but needs to involve himself more in the play.
The former Barcelona man came on for Sterling in the previous game but couldn’t muster a solid display and was eventually taken off in the second half. Aubameyang will want to impact this game and shake off all the criticism he has faced.
Left wing: Carney Chukwuemeka
Carney Chukwuemeka, traditionally playing as a central midfielder, will be deployed on the left wing. He played there in the last game and looked competent to do the required tasks. He came close to scoring in the game and was quite impressive given it was just his fifth appearance for Chelsea. The 19 year old has abundant quality and promise, it is just about giving him confidence and right set of opportunities for him to blossom.
Will Chelsea manage to go past Man City and progress in the FA Cup?