Chelsea vs Manchester City: Confirmed line-ups, match discussion and fan reaction

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There are certain statements in sport that no one ever expects to hear, but, today, a mid-table Chelsea welcome a fourth placed Manchester City. Indeed, in a league season that has produced few moments of joy for either club, there is now very little to play for in the remaining weeks of the campaign. With City looking to have secured the final Champions League spot and Chelsea a way off the European places, this evening’s clash will be little more than a high-profile battle for bragging rights.

Below are the confirmed starting line-ups:

Chelsea – Courtois; Azpilicueta, Cahill, Ivanovic (c), Baba Rahman; Mikel, Fabregas; Willian, Loftus-Cheek, Pedro; Diego Costa

Manchester City – Hart; Zabaleta, Otamendi, Mangala, Kolarov; Fernandinho, Toure (c), Navas, De Bruyne, Nasri; Aguero

A brief look at the statistics shows Chelsea have won 11 and lost just one of their last 17 Premier League games against Manchester City at Stamford Bridge. However, their recent form, having won just one of their last seven Premier League home games, drawing the other six, raises questions ahead of their clash with Saturday’s opponents. Considering City have lost just one of their last seven top flight away matches (W3 D3 L1), this is unlikely to be an easy afternoon for Guus Hiddink’s side.

Ex-Chelsea boy Kevin De Bruyne will be out to upset his former side. Following his return to fitness, he will be instrumental for the visitors. Indeed, despite appearing in just 21 of the Citizen’s 32 top flight games this season, he has created more chances than any other player in their squad (69).  The Belgian international will also be supported by the ever-prolific Sergio Aguero, who has scored ten in his last 11 appearances for the cub. The deadly duo could prove too much for an out-of-form Chelsea.

Do you agree with your side’s starting line-up? What will be the final result come full-time? Why not comment with your thoughts below, then stick with us for discussion and debate throughout the live match.