Chelsea’s Predicted XI vs Manchester City: We predict Frank Lampard’s starting XI as his side try and maintain their five-point gap over top-four rivals

Chelsea’s Predicted XI vs Manchester City: We predict Frank Lampard’s starting XI as his side try and maintain their five-point gap over top-four rivals. 

This evening’s clash at Stamford Bridge sees fourth-placed Chelsea take on current Premier League champions Manchester City.

It’s a massive game for both clubs, as City know themselves that anything other than three away points will lead to Liverpool being crowned Premier League champions.

From a Chelsea perspective though, manager Frank Lampard will be very aware of both Manchester United picking up victories and hunting them down for Champions League qualification.

So what team will Lampard pick to try and gain a vital three points. Here we predict the Chelsea boss’ XI…

Goalkeeper: Despite being dropped by Lampard before lockdown, Kepa returned to the side at Villa Park, and will be expected to keep his place in the side.

Defenders: Despite his back four putting in a decent display at Villa Park, many managers have been rotating their squads due to fitness since the return to football and we expect Lampard to do the same. Antonio Rudiger will keep his place in the side, but we expect Kurt Zouma to play alongside him and Reece James to get a start alongside Marcus Alonso.

Midfielders: Once again, there will be roatation, but one man we expect to still see in a Chelsea shirt is Mason Mount. The England international is the man that makes Chelsea’s attacking force tick. We expect N’Golo Kante to also retain his place, but Ross Barkley will come in for Matteo Kovacic.

Forwards: We think Lamapard will stick with Olivier Giroud and leave Tammy Abraham on the bench. Despite ongoing contract talks, Willian will get the nod again with his pace and trickery vital in this Chelsea set-up. But we belive Ruben Loftus-Cheek will make way for goalscorer Christian Pulisic.

Predicted XI: Kepa; James, Rudiger, Zouma, Alonso: Mount, Kante, Barkley; Pulisic, Willian, Giroud.