placeholder image
Getty Images
The latest Chelsea team news, injury update and predicted line-up ahead of their Premier League clash with Man City
Chelsea’s push for Champions League qualification continues this Sunday, when the Blues host eight-time Premier League champions Manchester City at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea will have been buoyed by news that those who finish in the division’s top five will all bag a Champions League spot for next season, thanks to the efforts of English sides in Europe during the 2025/26 campaign.
As things stand, Liam Rosenior’s side sit sixth in the Premier League table, just one point behind Liverpool but with the likes of Everton, Brentford and Fulham all breathing down their necks. While both the title race and relegation battle look to be largely forgone conclusions, the scrap for places in UEFA’s elite competition is still very much alive.
The Blues went into the international break battered and bruised, having lost four matches in a row in all competitions. They emerged out the other side with an emphatic 7-0 FA Cup quarter-final victory over Port Vale, but will be up against a significantly trickier opposition when Pep Guardiola’s ruthless machine rolls into West London this weekend.
Ahead the Premier League’s much anticipated post-international break return, we’ve given our verdict on Chelsea’s most likely line-up to face Man City this weekend.
Chelsea predicted line-up vs Man City: goalkeeper and defence
GK: Robert Sanchez: For all the millions Chelsea have spent in their new era, they somehow haven’t managed to get themselves a reliable goalkeeper. If the club have any sense, you’d expect them to finally remedy that in the summer. For now, Sanchez has the gloves. Let’s be honest, though: at times he may as well be wearing a pair of oven gloves.
RB: Malo Gusto: Hearts sank following the news of Reece James’ latest injury, just days after he signed his new contract with the club. The good news is that he’s expected back relatively soon, but there’s no chance he’ll be rushed back to play Man City this weekend. In his absence, £26m man Gusto will step into the breach.
CB: Wesley Fofana: Despite being far from his best in the Blues’ last two Premier League fixtures, Fofana is expected to keep his place in the starting XI given the absence of both Trevoh Chalobah and Levi Colwill. He was booked in both of Chelsea’s recent losses to Newcastle United and Everton respectively.
CB: Tosin Adarabioyo: The ex-Fulham defender scored his second goal of the season in the Blues’ aforementioned win over Port Vale last weekend. He looks the best bet to partner Fofana on Sunday, with Benoit Badiashile still being assessed as he continues to recovery from an illness.
LB: Marc Cucurella: Arguably Chelsea’s best player for the last couple of seasons, the relentless Spain international offers the Blue some serious quality down the left flank. He’ll keep his spot in the starting XI, with little in the way of quality competition for his place.
Chelsea predicted line-up vs Man City: midfield and attack
CM - Moises Caicedo: Chelsea’s midfield dynamo had a well-earned rest last weekend, and will be fit and raring square off against Man City’s engine room on Sunday afternoon. You can expect his battle with Rodri to be a rather tasty one.
CM - Romeo Lavia: Enzo Fernandez will remain sat on the sidelines following his dramatic two-match exclusion from the side - a decision that came following controversial interview comments he made during the international break. Lavia looks set to partner Caicedo in midfield, as he looks to reignite a Chelsea career which has been blighted by injuries thus far.
AMR - Estevao: Yes, it was only Port Vale, but £29m wonderkid Estevao looked fantastic in the Blues’ big win last weekend. He’s suffered with a series of injuries and niggles this season, but now looks ready to be a key Chelsea player. There’s a good argument to be made for him starting on the right against Man City, with Pedro Neto being shifted out to the left - a position he’s played in frequently throughout the campaign.
AMC - Cole Palmer: With James injured and Fernandez presumably still sitting slumped on the naughty step with his head in his hands, perhaps muttering “Real Madrid would never do this to me...” Palmer will once again skipper the side. He’ll be looking to add to the one goal he’s scored against Man City since leaving them for Chelsea back in 2023. He’ll also be in a fair few FPL wildcard teams this weekend, you’d imagine.
AML - Pedro Neto: A demon dribbler with lightning pace to burn, the former Wolves winger is an end-product away from being a world class player. However, his crossing and finishing just aren’t there at the moment, and he’s got work to do if he’s to become a reliable, game-changing force for Chelsea.
ST - Joao Pedro: A real success story signing for the Blues, Pedro has arguably been their most clinical finisher since Diego Costa - which tells you everything you need to know about Chelsea’s struggles to find a half-decent striker over the past decade. He’ll get the nod over Liam Delap again this weekend, certainly.
Continue Reading