How Chelsea could line up vs Man City in blockbuster Premier League clash at the Bridge

How Chelsea could line up vs Man City in blockbuster Premier League clash at the Bridge

Chelsea welcome Manchester City to Stamford Bridge for Sunday’s box office showdown, with both sides ready to go for the jugular in a quest to realise their ambitions.

The Blues have been a shadow of themselves in recent weeks, but they’ve been handed a lifeline in their bid to qualify for the Champions League.

Even with a fifth spot secured, Chelsea still have their work cut out, as they head into Sunday’s proceedings four points behind fellow top five contenders Liverpool.

The Reds got the job done against Fulham yesterday, securing a 2-0 victory, so it’s up to Chelsea to follow through.

However, Arsenal’s shocking 2-1 home defeat against Bournemouth has given City plenty to fight for when Pep Guardiola’s relentless Cityzens storm the Bridge.

Both sides return from the international break in confident mood after emphatic FA Cup victories.

Chelsea made light work of League One’s Port Vale, securing a commanding 7-0 victory, while City sent a massive statement by dismantling Liverpool 4-0.

Despite Chelsea’s victory, underfire manager Liam Rosenior is not out of the woods yet.

Before flexing their muscle against third-tier opponents in the FA Cup, Chelsea had lost four consecutive games, including back-to-back Premier League matches against Newcastle United and Everton.

That run of form sparked mayhem across the club, and Enzo Fernandez sending a disguised “come-get-me-plea” to Real Madrid in the aftermath didn’t help the situation.

At the moment, Rosenior still has the backing of the board, who are in no mood to lose their “yes man”.

However, securing Champions League football remains the club’s primary objective, and a third consecutive Premier League defeat may all but end those hopes.

How Chelsea could line up

Rosenior is expected to ring the changes from the side that ripped Port Vale apart, but Fernandez’s absence is undoubtedly the headline omission.

Robert Sanchez will likely retain his place between the sticks, although he may have to work with a much-changed back four imposed by injuries.

Jorrel Hato should come in for the injured Trevoh Chalobah, partnering Wesley Fofana at the heart of the backline, while Malo Gusto and Marc Cucurella line up on the flanks.

Andrey Santos should step in for Fernandez alongside Moises Caicedo at the base of midfield.

Estevao is primed to make his first Premier League start since early February, with the 18-year-old sensation poised to line up alongside Pedro and Cole Palmer behind Joao Pedro.