Chelsea are back in Premier League action for the first time since their 3-0 loss to Everton on Sunday, hosting Man City. Peter Crouch and Steve Sidwell delivered their predictions.
The Blues might have only played once in the last three weeks, but there is always something going on at Chelsea. Something Liam Rosenior is learning quickly, with the latest saga surrounding Enzo Fernandez.
Fernandez will serve the second of a two-game Chelsea-imposed ban for crossing the line regarding his comments during the break. His obvious flirting with Real Madrid has caused a rumble at Cobham.
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Champions League qualification or FA Cup trophy for Chelsea
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Some are on his side, while some feel Rosenior showed good leadership and was right to use it as an example. Chelsea will also be without Reece James, Levi Colwill, Trevoh Chalobah and Jamie Gittens.
But with fifth position now confirmed as a Champions League spot ahead of next season, the race for the top five is on. Chelsea sit sixth, a point behind Liverpool, with the Blues facing both Manchester clubs.
Peter Crouch predicts both Chelsea and Man City to score
Speaking on The Peter Crouch podcast this week, former Liverpool and England striker Crouch gave his predictions. Man City come into the game in having been knocked out of the Champions League, too.
Peter Crouch working as a pundit for a Premier League match.
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
But, like Chelsea, City have also qualified for the semi-finals of The FA Cup. City beat Liverpool 4-0 to reach the last four, while Chelsea cruised past rock-bottom League One side Port Vale, winning 7-0.
Chelsea need a result and it must be remembered that one of Calum McFarlane’s two games ended in a 2-2 draw at The Etihad. At home, Chelsea always have a chance. But Crouch predicted a 2-1 City win.
“Great game this one. Chelsea are slight underdogs; it is at Stamford Bridge. I fancied 3-1 [after presenter Chris Stark predicted 3-1] but I am going to go 2-1,” Crouch said. Steve Sidwell predicted a 1-1 draw.
How will Chelsea line-up against Man City on Sunday?
With James, Chalobah, Colwill, Gittens, Filip Jorgensen and others out injured, and Fernandez banned, Rosenior is hardly flush with options, certainly in midfield and in defence. Robert Sanchez will continue.
DEBATE: Enzo Fernandez shouldn’t be suspended for the Manchester City game
He's one of our best players!
Enzo Fernandez of Chelsea
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Malo Gusto will remain at right-back. Centre-back is an interesting one, and Tosin’s display against Port Vale may convince Rosenior to start him on Sunday. Jorrel Hato might go in alongside Adarabioyo.
Marc Cucurella will start at left-back. With James and Fernandez out, it is likely Andrey Santos goes in alongside Moises Caicedo. Cole Palmer, Pedro Neto, Estevao and Joao Pedro could start in attack.
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