Chelsea’s first game of 2026 is a trip to the Etihad to face off against second-placed Man City.
December was a month to forget for those of a Chelsea persuasion. The new year offers the chance to wipe the slate clean and push on for the rest of the season.
Enzo Maresca has left Chelsea, and this tough fixture is the start of a new era at Stamford Bridge.
Enzo Maresca has officially left Chelsea! Who would you like to see replace the Italian? 🤔
Chelsea predicted XI vs Man City
The Bournemouth game saw plenty of rotation from Maresca with players injured or rested for the midweek clash.
We should see a more typical Chelsea back line against City at the weekend.
Robert Sanchez retains his place in goal. Marc Cucurella should be available for Chelsea, so he gets the nod as well, with Malo Gusto playing on the opposite flank.
Trevoh Chalobah and Wesley Fofana continue to start together at the heart of the defence.
In midfield, Moises Caicedo is suspended so Reece James steps in along with one of the Blues’ brightest performers against Bournemouth, Enzo Fernandez.
Does Moises Caicedo have a discipline problem? 🤔
Caicedo receives one-game suspension!
Moises Caicedo will miss Chelsea’s game against Manchester City after picking up his fifth yellow card🤦♂️
The three attackers supporting the striker should be fairly obvious by now. After another starring display against Bournemouth, Estevao Willian has to start. Cole Palmer is another shoo-in, and Pedro Neto should be picked as the other wide option.
Both of those wingers have shown they can play on both wings, so there’s flexibility in how they set up against City.
Joao Pedro should have started against Bournemouth. He has been on a fine scoring run in recent weeks, and this is a big game that will require individual moments of quality.
Predicted XI: Sanchez; Gusto, Fofana, Chalobah, Cucurella; James, Enzo; Estevao, Palmer, Neto; Pedro.
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