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Predicted Chelsea XI vs Man City: Chukwuemeka replaces Kovacic

By Clovis Pereira

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - JANUARY 08: Kepa Arrizabalaga of Chelsea speaks to Julian Alvarez of Manchester City before a Manchester City penalty during the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Manchester City and Chelsea at Etihad Stadium on January 08, 2023 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - JANUARY 08: Kepa Arrizabalaga of Chelsea speaks to Julian Alvarez of Manchester City before a Manchester City penalty during the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Manchester City and Chelsea at Etihad Stadium on January 08, 2023 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images) /
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Crystal Palace’s Malian midfielder Cheick Doucoure (R) vies with Chelsea’s English midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka (C) and Chelsea’s English midfielder Conor Gallagher (L) (Photo by BEN STANSALL/AFP via Getty Images) /

Right Wing back: Noni Madueke

The young Englishman has stepped up in the absence of quality in this CFC attack. He has impressed the supporters with his ability to take on multiple opponents confidently. The end product can definitely be better and scoring against City could help him cement his name in Pochettino’s plans.

Central Midfield: Conor Gallagher

Gallagher had an average outing against Nottingham Forrest. However the effort he puts in off the ball could be crucial against a side like City who enjoy keeping the ball. Also having him in the starting XI helps the Blues function flexibly as Gallagher’s awareness ensures that he is around the attack and the midfield to support them as and when required.

Central Midfield: Enzo Fernandez

The Argentine will continue to pull the strings in the center of this Chelsea midfield. He has been average lately and will hope to step and help the squad to the best of his abilities. As a player of his caliber could win the game single handedly.

Central Midfield: Carney Chukwuemeka

N’Golo Kante joined the lot of injured Chelsea players again which forced the Blues to pull Chukwuemeka out of the U20 World Cup group stage. Mateo Kovacic has been consistently poor since his return from the World Cup in December and his future at the club seems to be very uncertain. Denis Zakaria too will return to his parent club at the end of the season. This should warrant Chukwuemeka a spot in the starting XI.

Left Wing back: Lewis Hall

Lewis Hall was completely blocked from joining the England U20s World Cup camp as injuries have left CFC out of depth in the left back position. Ben Chilwell and Marc Cucurella are out injured and might not return to the pitch for the remainder of the season which will allow Hall to continue in his role at Left Wing back.

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