How Chelsea can line up against Manchester City | Premier League 2020-21

Manchester City are set to play host to Thomas Tuchel's Chelsea today at the Etihad Stadium for their latest English Premier League fixture.

With both teams set to face each other in the final of the UEFA Champions League a few weeks later, this match could very well act as a rehearsal before the main event.

Chelsea have proved to be an extremely effective unit under the management of Tuchel. The German was appointed as Chelsea manager in January this year and has been applauded for the upturn in Chelsea's form since his arrival.

Tuchel's Chelsea have already beaten Manchester City once, in the semi-finals of the FA Cup last month. A solitary goal from Morocco international Hakim Ziyech proved to be enough that time.

Manchester City are one of the best teams in Europe right now, though, and Chelsea will have to be at their very best as they seek to ensure a top four spot in the league table.

Let's have a look at how Chelsea could line up against Manchester City tonight.

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Chelsea's predicted XI vs Manchester City

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Chelsea Goalkeeper

Edouard Mendy during a Chelsea game

Thomas Tuchel confirmed early into his tenure as Chelsea manager that Edouard Mendy would continue to be the first-choice shot-stopper, ahead of Kepa Arrizabalaga.

The Senegal international has been a consistent performer since his arrival last summer from Rennes. While there have been a few mistakes, Mendy has looked more assured than Kepa, with his shot-stopping ability often helping Chelsea out.

There have been suggestions that Chelsea could look to sign AC Milan's Gianluigi Donnarumma in the summer, but Mendy's recent performances could see Chelsea focus on other areas of the squad. He should keep his place in the side.

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Chelsea Defenders

Thiago Silva in action for Chelsea

Tuchel has played a three at the back system since his arrival, and that looks set to continue.

Andreas Christensen has done well in recent months. The Denmark international is good on the ball, and he should be the right-sided centre-back in Chelsea's backline.

Veteran centre-back Thiago Silva has justified his acquisition. The 36-year old was signed by Chelsea last summer on a free transfer, and he has proved to be a smart acquisition. Excellent defensively and a good leader, Silva looks set to extend his Chelsea contract for another season.

Antonio Rudiger was barely utilised by Frank Lampard, but has been a constant under Tuchel. The Germany international will be the left-sided centre-back in the three-man backline.

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Chelsea Midfielders

N'Golo Kante in action for Chelsea

Chelsea have a good assortment of midfielders to choose from. However, Croatian star Mateo Kovacic is unavailable due to injury.

N'Golo Kante has been the talk of the town in recent weeks. The Frenchman's incredible performances across both legs of the Champions League semi-finals against Real Madrid reiterated the fact that he is one of the best midfielders in the world, and the 30-year old will surely start against Manchester City.

Another player who has impressed with his performances this season is Mason Mount. The England international is one of the first names on the teamsheet at Chelsea, and the 22-year old's versatility, passing and creativity have all been highly applauded.

With Kovacic out, Jorginho will be the third midfielder. He will operate from deep, spraying passes and staying behind Mount and Kante. Kante will be the box-to-box midfielder, while Mount will focus more on attack.

The three at the back system means that the left wing-back will be Ben Chilwell and the right wing-back will most likely be Reece James, as Cesar Azpilicueta remains a doubt for this game.

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Chelsea Forwards

Timo Werner before a Chelsea game

Kai Havertz attracted a lot of criticism for his performances since he signed for Chelsea last summer for a fee of £62 million. However, the Germany international has done well recently, and Tuchel should give him an opportunity here.

Up front, Timo Werner has not enjoyed a good first season with Chelsea. Despite putting up decent numbers, the chances that he has missed throughout the season have been highlighted constantly. However, he scored in the second leg against Real Madrid and that should give be a confidence booster.

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