Chukwuemeka, Havertz And Fofana To Start, Felix On The Bench: Chelsea’s Predicted XI To Face City

While Chelsea showed some character to come from 1-0 down against Nottingham Forest last weekend, the 2-2 draw was yet another disappointing result for Frank Lampard.

Injuries certainly haven’t helped the interim manager, with N’Golo Kante and Mateo Kovacic the latest two players sidelined.

However, Lampard still has a very talented group of players at his disposal and he isn’t getting the most out of them. With City at the Etihad next up, it could well be a very long evening on Sunday.

Press the next page as we predict the Blues’ starting eleven for the game this weekend.

GK – Kepa Arrizabalaga

Why Lampard opted to start Edouard Mendy against Forest is anyone’s guess.

The Senegalese international is set to leave Stamford Bridge at the end of the season so there wasn’t really a reason to put him back in the lineup.

Following his mistake for Awoniyi’s first goal last Saturday, you would expect that he’ll be back on the bench for the City game.

Kepa hasn’t exactly done a lot wrong in recent weeks so he is worthy of reinstatement.

RB – Trevoh Chalobah

Despite the Blues conceding two goals versus Forest, the defender actually played well at right-back.

Considering Chalobah is ostensibly a centre-half, it was a surprise to see him make such an impact as an attacking force.

The 23-year-old overlapped well with Noni Madueke and it was his delivery that set up Raheem Sterling for his first goal.

While it seems that he has found his position in the Chelsea team, reports suggest he could well be sold this summer.

CB – Wesley Fofana

The Frenchman returned to the bench for the Forest fixture after recovering from injury.

With a full week’s training under his belt, you would expect Lampard will recall Fofana for the trip to Manchester.

There is, of course, a possibility that Lampard will opt to go with three at the back due to City’s attacking threat.

However, Lampard may throw caution to the wind, considering there is very little at stake for Chelsea.

CB – Thiago Silva

The Brazilian didn’t do a lot wrong against Forest and he continues to be a reliable presence at the back, taking up the right positions and clearing his lines.

There have been some reports over the past week that Silva could be considering a return to Brazil this summer.

The Blues really need to keep someone of the 38-year-old’s experience around to help this young squad.

Silva has said that he does intend to see out his contract, but there are indications that the player will be let go if he does get an offer from Fluminense.

LB – Lewis Hall

With Cucurella and Chilwell both sidelined, Hall has had to be thrust into the mix by Lampard.

It’s fair to say that he had a rather up-and-down match versus Forest, which demonstrates his strengths and weaknesses as a player.

Hall looked lively going forward, combining well with Raheem Sterling on the left flank.

However, he did not cover himself in glory when he lost his marker for Forest’s opener. The fullback may have his work cut out at the Etihad.

CM – Carney Chukwuemeka

Denis Zakaria was nowhere to be seen against Forest so it may be the case that he won’t play for the Blues in their last few games before the season ends.

Loftus-Cheek came on for Kovacic last Saturday but, with the midfielder also expected to leave Stamford Bridge this summer, Lampard may look towards the future.

Chukwuemeka has been called up by England for the Under 20 World Cup but he will be held back to take part in the Blues’ remaining fixtures.

There is no point keeping him around if the midfielder isn’t going to be used so he should start versus City.

CM – Enzo Fernandez

There is nothing wrong with the Argentine’s passing game. He was outstanding in possession against Forest.

Yet, you do feel that there is a lot more to come from Fernandez, and we may have to wait until next season for it to be unlocked.

His influence on the game is limited by being asked to play so deep and it will be hoped Pochettino can find a way to make better use of him than Lampard.

Fernandez is likely to find it tough at the Etihad, with City expected to dominate the ball.

CM – Conor Gallagher

The England international’s limitations were on display yet again last weekend.

Gallagher is enthusiastic, hard-working and prepared to lead the press in order to close down opponents.

However, in possession, the midfielder can be wasteful and his end product can be found wanting.

While Gallagher is likely to end the season as a regular starter, he could well be considered dispensable this summer.

RW – Noni Madueke

It was the usual story with the young winger against Forest. He always looks a threat in possession but his final ball left a lot to be desired.

Fans will need to be patient with Madueke, as there are parts of his game that need to be refined and polished.

However, the raw talent is there, and you wouldn’t bet against Pochettino getting the most out of him.

The Argentine has shown at Spurs that he possesses the knowledge to unlock the ability of young players, and Madueke should benefit massively as a result.

CF – Kai Havertz

Lampard has said that he doesn’t like playing Joao Felix up front and, yet, he decided to do just that last weekend.

The Portuguese international was crowded out by Forest’s back three and he missed the one and only chance that came his way.

You would, therefore, expect Lampard to recall Havertz for the trip to the Etihad on Sunday,

The German can hold up the ball when needed and he does have a decent track record versus City.

LW – Raheem Sterling

It may be a few months too late but it looks as if Blues fans are finally seeing the real Raheem Sterling.

Both of his goals against Forest were well taken and you do have to wonder why that sort of composure has been missing for most of the season.

If he can finish the campaign strongly, he will be looking to carry that form with him into his second year at Chelsea.

With the lack of experience in the squad in general, it is also good to have someone like Sterling around the place to set the standards for others to follow.