Chelsea predicted XI vs Man City as Garnacho decision made and Rosenior drops centre-back

2 hours ago 17

The predicted Chelsea line-up for this afternoon's crucial Premier League fixture against Manchester City with Liam Rosenior facing some tough decisions at Stamford Bridge

Chelsea are in desperate need of points this afternoon with Manchester City the visitors to Stamford Bridge.

In their first Premier League match in more than three weeks, the Blues welcome title-chasing City to SW6 as Liam Rosenior's side look to keep pace in their bid for Champions League football. As for City, they desperately need three points in order to keep the pressure on Premier League leaders Arsenal.

While Rosenior named a strong XI in the 7-0 win over Port Vale last weekend, the Chelsea head coach is set to make numerous changes to his team this afternoon. And, with that being said, Bobby Vincent does his best at predicting what Rosenior will do in relation to his team selection:

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Robert Sanchez

There's no doubt about this one. It looks as if Filip Jorgensen is still injured, meaning Sanchez is set to start again in goal for the Blues.

Malo Gusto

Reece James remains out with a hamstring injury, although the club are hopeful the captain will return sooner rather than later. Gusto, though, may well be called upon on the right-hand side of defence for the visit of Man City.

Wesley Fofana

With a full week to rest, the French defender is expected to be named in the back four yet again. Fofana's form in the Premier League has not been great and he will need to improve massively in order to compete with the always-dangerous Erling Haaland.

Jorrel Hato

Mamadou Sarr might have something to say about this but Rosenior might go with Hato on the left-hand side of his centre-back pairing. The Netherlands international has been in superb form recently and could partner Fofana at Stamford Bridge.

Marc Cucurella

If Hato is in the centre, that would pave the way for Cucurella to start on the left-hand side. The Spain international has not been in the best form of late and could potentially face a huge task in marking Rayan Cherki/Antoine Semenyo.

Romeo Lavia

The Belgian might just get the nod over Andrey Santos in the middle of the park. Enzo Fernandez will not be included in the squad as he serves the second game of his two-match ban imposed on him by the club.

Moises Caicedo

The Ecuadorian midfielder was given a much-needed rest in the win over Port Vale eight days ago. Caicedo, though, is set to return and will need to be at his best for Chelsea to get a positive result against the Premier League's second-place team.

Estevao Willian

After a superb second-half performance against Port Vale, where Estevao was moved to the right-hand side, he deserves to keep his place there. In games like this that sometimes require a little piece of magic, the 18-year-old Brazilian could provide just that.

Cole Palmer

Likewise, Chelsea will be hoping for Palmer to produce some of his magic at Stamford Bridge. Coming up against his former club, the 23-year-old will be hoping for his first win against them.

Pedro Neto

In a game of this magnitude, Rosenior has shown he trusts Neto on the left-hand side. Alejandro Garnacho could be an option from the bench if needed in the second period.