Chelsea team news: Expected XI vs Man City as Thomas Tuchel faces attacking dilemma

Chelsea v Manchester City: Thomas Tuchel pre match

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Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel could make three changes when they host Manchester City on Saturday in a clash which could be telling in the early running for the Premier League crown. Mason Mount could be their highest-profile absentee after picking up a knock against Aston Villa in midweek, during a game which saw the Blues uncharacteristically taken all the way to penalties. Express Sport takes a look at how Tuchel could set out his side this weekend.

Goalkeeper – Mendy

Chelsea’s Frenchman between the sticks has been on a two-match hiatus since picking up a knock. 

However, he is expected to be back in action this time around, consigning Kepa Arrizabalaga to the bench despite his penalty heroics in midweek. 

The Blues have only conceded once in the Premier League so far this season, and that was a penalty at Anfield. 

With Edouard Mendy in goal, they will once again be tough for Pep Guardiola’s side to break down. 

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Defence – Azpilicueta, Christensen, Thiago Silva, Rudiger, Alonso

Marcos Alonso has established himself as the first-choice left-back at Ben Chilwell’s expense, and he is consistent in the attacking threat he brings to the table. 

On the opposite flank, Cesar Azpilicueta offers a defensively strong option against a City side who are bound to ask a question or two of the Blues’ defence. 

Despite celebrating his 37th birthday this week, Thiago Silva will not be easy to breach based on his marauding early-season performances. 

Defence is the strongest element of Tuchel’s side, and such a rock-like back five would be an intimidating prospect for any side, even the defending Premier League champions. 

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Midfield – Kante, Jorginho

The metronomic Jorginho is essential to how Chelsea dominate games, with his speciality in keeping possession and recycling the ball. 

Tuchel’s big decision, therefore, is who will play alongside him. 

Mateo Kovacic has been scintillating in recent weeks, but against such a strong opponent it may just be the defensive maestro N’Golo Kante who gets the nod instead. 

With Jorginho’s passing and Kante’s terrific engine, they work tremendously well as a pair and have all the right attributes to dominate games as a duo. 

Attack – Havertz, Lukaku, Werner

With Mount sidelined and Christian Pulisic right with him, it could be the perfect opportunity for Timo Werner to prove to Tuchel that he can operate effectively as part of a front-three. 

The man who took his place through the middle, Romelu Lukaku, has been sensational since his return to the Premier League, demonstrating that he is not only a poacher but a superb target man and a creator of chances. 

Kai Havertz, meanwhile, seems to be improving every game in Chelsea blue. 

He does not yet have the numbers to show for it, but they will come, and City will surely still be haunted by his winner in May’s Champions League final. 

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