Following Liverpool’s 2-0 victory over Fulham on Saturday, Chelsea could really do with a win against Manchester City.
In the race for Champions League football, Chelsea currently trail fifth-placed Liverpool by four points in the Premier League table.
With the Blues needing a positive result, unsurprisingly, Liam Rosenior has gone with a very strong side.
Rosenior has included Andrey Santos in his starting XI for this huge game, but there is still no Enzo Fernandez.
Confirmed XI to face Man City!
Liam Rosenior stands firm with Enzo Fernandez decision
Chelsea XI vs Manchester City
Photo by Andrew Kearns – CameraSport via Getty Images
After more than one interview in which the midfielder threw his future into doubt, the Chelsea manager’s stance was that he would be dropped from the matchday squad for two fixtures.
That stance has not changed, with Rosenior making it clear that Chelsea players are not free to do as they please. Fernandez missed the 7-0 hammering of Port Vale in the FA Cup and will now be absent for the City clash.
Fernandez has been linked to some of Europe’s biggest clubs, including Sunday’s opponents City. According to journalist Simon Phillips, City are already working on signing Fernandez from their Premier League rivals.
However, the World Cup winner’s preferred destination is thought to be the Santiago Bernabeu. Whether Chelsea will be willing to sell to Real Madrid, City or another club remains to be seen, with Fernandez tied down to a very long contract. His existing deal does not expire until 2032.
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