In their first game at Stamford Bridge since the restart, Chelsea will play hosts to Manchester City FC. The fixture would a hotly contested one between the two top sides of the Premier League this season.
After their coming back from behind to win against Aston Villa, the Blues will be hoping for a much strong showing at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea FC’s defence was exposed horribly on a few occasions in the game against Villa.
Manchester City have won their last two games since the commencement of Project Restart. A 3-0 win against Arsenal in the opening game was followed by a 5-0 thrashing of Burnley a few days back. Pep Guardiola’s side have been clinical in front of goal so far this season.
The upcoming game is at a crucial stage for both teams. After their victory against Villa, Chelsea FC went five points clear of fifth-placed Manchester United FC. The Blues will be hoping to extend the margin of their lead and seal a Champions League spot for next season.
On the other hand, with Liverpool drawing against Everton in their opening game, Manchester City FC reduced Jurgen Klopp’s side’s lead to 20 points. A win in every remaining game is crucial for Manchester City FC as the season approaches its end.
With the Blues trailing third-placed Leicester City by only four points, Frank Lampard would be looking forward to clinching an important win against Manchester City FC.
WHEN & WHERE?
Date: Wednesday 25th June
Time: 8:15 PM GMT
Venue: Stamford Bridge
TEAM NEWS
Chelsea FC would welcome back Jorginho into the team’s fold after the Italian international having been suspended for two previous games. The midfielder could slot into the Blues midfield alongside Kovacic and Kante against Manchester City FC.
In Chelsea FC’s last game against Villa, Ruben Loftus-Cheek returned after nearly 13 months on the sidelines. The English midfielder could be part of Wednesday’s proceedings at Stamford Bridge, however, is unlikely to be a part of the starting lineup.
Fikayo Tomori was absent in the last game for the Blues. The defender is sidelined due to an injury and would not feature against Manchester City FC as well.
For Manchester City FC, the most troubling absence would be that of striker Sergio Aguero. The Argentine international limped off in their last game against Burnley with a knee problem. Aguero will undergo surgery and won’t play a part in Manchester City FC’s upcoming games.
In the absence of Aguero, Brazilian starlet Gabriel Jesus should take his place in the starting lineup. The 23-year old striker has not got many opportunities to play this season under Pep Guardiola.
French duo Aymeric Laporte and Benjamin Mendy should start the game against Chelsea FC after being rested for Burnley fixture.
Eric Garcia, the young central defender, is also ruled out for the upcoming game.
RECENT FORM
Chelsea FC: L D W W W
Manchester City FC: W W L W W
CHELSEA FC VS MANCHESTER CITY FC PREDICTED LINEUP
Chelsea FC: Kepa , Azpilicueta, Rudiger, Christensen, Marcos Alonso, Jorginho, Kante, Kovacic, Christian Pulisic, Giroud, Mount
Manchester City FC: Ederson , Walker, Fernandinho, Aymeric Laporte, Mendy, Rodri, Gundogan, Kevin de Bruyne, Sterling, Gabriel Jesus, Riyad Mahrez
