Enzo Fernandez To Start; Noni Madueke And Axel Disasi On The Bench: Chelsea’s Predicted XI To Take On City

After Manchester City crashed out of the Champions League midweek, Chelsea will feel it is the perfect time to take on the reigning Premier League champions in the FA Cup on Saturday.

The Blues will still be underdogs to make it through to the final but they can take heart from their two league fixtures against Pep Guardiola’s side this season.

While the games did end up as draws, they held leads in both encounters which should give them encouragement that they can cause their opponents problems at Wembley.

Press the next page as we predict Chelsea’s starting lineup for the match this weekend.

Goalkeeper and Defence

GK – Djordje Petrovic – had very little to do against Everton on Monday but he will certainly be busier versus City.

RB – Malo Gusto – if he goes up against Jeremy Doku, the Frenchman’s defensive qualities will be tested, but he will be keen to make some forays forward himself.

CB – Trevoh Chalobah – Axel Disasi is back in training but the Englishman should keep his place based on his recent performances.

CB – Thiago Silva – Levi Colwill is not expected to be available and Benoit Badiashile’s form has been poor so Silva is set to stay in the starting eleven.

LB – Marc Cucurella –  vice-captain Ben Chilwell is in contention but manager Mauricio Pochettino could keep faith with the Spaniard.

Midfield

CM – Moises Caicedo – the Ecuadorian put in a positive performance against Everton but he will need to up his game to help Chelsea win the midfield battle on Saturday.

CM – Enzo Fernandez – there have been reports coming out of Argentina that the 23-year-old is carrying a hernia injury.

However, Fernandez was pictured in training on Wednesday so he is set to be in the squad for the game at Wembley this weekend.

AM – Conor Gallagher – the midfielder played well in a deeper-lying role versus Everton but he could be deployed slightly further forward against City in order to accommodate Fernandez.

Forwards

RW – Cole Palmer – the 21-year-old has shown that he is equally capable of playing as a no.10 with his four goals on Monday night.

However, it’s likely that Palmer will be switched back out to the wing against his former club, with Noni Madueke making way.

CF – Nicolas Jackson – his petulant attitude for the penalty aside, the Senegalese international put in a very strong performance versus Everton and fans will be hoping he can carry that form into the weekend.

LW – Mykhailo Mudryk – the winger is slowly getting to grips with his role in this Chelsea team. There are still ongoing concerns about his consistency but he should get the nod to start ahead of Raheem Sterling.