Chelsea suffered their first defeat in the Premier League under Guus Hiddink last weekend against Swansea City at the Liberty Stadium and the result means that the Blues’ chances of finishing in Europe this season is all but over.
Now Chelsea have very little to play for from now till the end of the season but they will surely want to avoid the embarrassment of finishing outside the top half of the table.
Up next for the outgoing Premier League champions is a clash against Manchester City at Stamford Bridge this weekend and it goes without saying that the Blues will be desperate to claim a victory on the day against their rivals.
Here is the strongest possible Chelsea lineup for the clash against Manchester City –
Goalkeeper
Asmir Begovic was handed a rare opportunity to start during the clash against Swansea City and although he did a decent job on the day, one should expect Thibaut Courtois to make a return back into the starting lineup this weekend.
Defence
Cesar Azpilicueta and Branislav Ivanovic will be starting in the full back positions for Chelsea on Saturday as Gary Cahill nears full fitness and the England international looks set to be returning to the lineup against Manchester City at centre back.
Matt Miazga was hauled off at half time during the clash against Swansea but Hiddink could persist with the young American as John Terry remains ruled out. The duo of Abdul Baba Rahman and Kenedy will be in contention as well.
Midfield
Cesc Fabregas and John Obi Mikel look set to continue at the middle of the park as Nemanja Matic remains ruled out while the attacking positions in midfield is likely to be taken up by the likes of Pedro, Oscar and Ruben Loftus-Cheek.
Eden Hazard is still injured but Willian is on the verge of making a full recovery and the Brazilian star could well feature this weekend.
Attack
Alexandre Pato was unable to make much of an impact during his first ever start for Chelsea and the Brazilian should make way to facilitate the return of Diego Costa into the squad.
The likes of Radamel Falcao and Bertrand Traore provide the other options for manager Guus Hiddink to choose from.
(4-2-3-1)
Via – Lineup Builder
