Chelsea host Premier League leaders Manchester City this weekend in what promises to be a belter of a match up. The two sides are high flying so far this season, and many predict that along with Manchester United they are facing a three horse race for the title.
City have taken the league by storm after the 6 games so far, as Pep Guardiola’s men look almost unstoppable in front of goal and seem to have sorted their defensive woes from last season out.
Chelsea have also been very good in all competitions though, and their victory against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League will have filled them with a lot of confidence going into the game against City.
The duo of clubs are actually two of the most ill-disciplined in the country, with City being shown 16 bookings and two red cards so far this season – and Chelsea have had 12 bookings along with three red cards.
Chelsea could start the game with Eden Hazard on the wing, with the Belgian playing a key part in their 2-1 win over Atletico Madrid. Fellow winger Pedro might still be a doubt, but Conte did name the Spaniard on the bench against Atletico.
David Luiz is suspended after his sending off against Arsenal, and could be replaced by club captain Gary Cahill. Alvaro Morata’s involvement in the game remains unclear, after the striker was spotted limping against Atletico – his absence would be a huge blow to the Blues. Danny Drinkwater is still unavailable.
Manchester City meanwhile have injury problems of their own. Defender Benjamin Mendy could be set to miss the remainder of the season after sustaining a knee injury against Crystal Palace last weekend, but Vincent Kompany is only a slight doubt for the game after suffering with a calf injury.
Predicted XI
Courtois
Azpilicueta – Cahill – Rudiger
Moses – Kante – Bakayoko – Alonso
Hazard – Morata – Pedro