When Chelsea plays Man City at Stamford Bridge tonight, they will be looking for just their second win in eight Premier League games.
Seven Premier League games, one victory. 10th in the list. And Erling Haaland has scored fewer goals in the top flight this season. As Chelsea welcomes Manchester City to Stamford Bridge this evening, the situation is far from ideal.
Man City is an easier opponent to do that against, but Pep Guardiola's team has displayed a rare vulnerability this year. Despite having a game in hand over the Gunners, they have already dropped 12 points in the Premier League and are eight points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Against City, Kepa Arrizabalaga will remain in goal. This season, the Spaniard has consistently delivered when needed, and he was one of the select few players to emerge from the draw with Nottingham Forest on New Year's Day with honors.
Cesar Azpilicueta is the only senior option to start at right-back if Potter sticks with a back four once more, and Trevoh Chalobah, who impressed before the World Cup, should take Kalidou Koulibaly's place in the middle of defense. Marc Cucurella and Thiago Silva ought to remain in their positions.
Due to his lack of physicality against Forest, Jorginho might be replaced in the starting lineup by Mateo Kovacic. Despite being out of form, the Croatian could partner Denis Zakaria and Mason Mount.
Chelsea have sorely missed Hakim Ziyech's creativity in recent games, which he displayed against Nottingham Forest. With Raheem Sterling switching to the left flank, the Moroccan international may be able to step in for Christian Pulisic in the attack. Then Kai Havertz could proceed through the center.
Predicted Chelsea XI: Kepa; Azpilicueta, Chalobah, Silva, Cucurella; Zakaria, Kovacic, Mount; Ziyech, Havertz, Sterling
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