Chelsea FC XI vs Man City: Predicted lineup, confirmed team news and injury latest for Premier League
enoit Badiashile has been added the growing list of Chelsea injury absentees ahead of their trip to Manchester City.
The £35million January signing is out with a groin problem and joins Ben Chilwell, Reece James, N’Golo Kante, Mason Mount and Marc Cucurella on the sidelines.
Frank Lampard could look to play his high-energy but defensive 3-5-2 shape against a City side who have been crowned champions after Arsenal lost 1-0 at Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
It would be a departure from the more expansive back-four system that has seen Chelsea end a barren run in front of goal and score five goals in two matches.
Kepa Arrizabalga was dropped last week but could return behind a back three of Trevoh Chalobah, Thiago Silva and Wesley Fofana. Cesar Azpilicueta is likely to be drafted in at right wing-back, with youngster Lewis Hall on the opposite flank.
Enzo Fernandez should be joined by Conor Gallagher and Ruben Loftus-Cheek in midfield, supporting a front two of Kai Havertz and Raheem Sterling.
“Injury-wise, we’re pretty much similar to where we have been recently, in terms of Mason, Reece, Chilly, N’Golo and Marc Cucurella are not fit,” said Lampard.
“Koulibaly has been training with us over the last week but is probably not really ready for a game like this, but he is ahead of schedule to be fair.
“Benoit injured himself in training two days ago, his groin, and will miss the game.”
Predicted Chelsea XI: Kepa; Chalobah, Thiago Silva, W Fofana; Azpilicueta, Loftus-Cheek, Enzo, Gallagher, Hall; Sterling, Havertz
