Reece James and Christian Pulisic to return – Predicted Chelsea lineup for the visit of Manchester City

The games are coming thick and fast after premier league football returned last week. After a dominant performance against Aston Villa, the Blues face a far tougher task with the visit of Manchester City.

Formation 4-3-3

Goalkeeper and Defence

Kepa is sure to start again. The Spaniard wasn’t truly tested at Villa, but will face a far sterner test tomorrow evening. Reece James could return at right-back, pushing Cesar Azpilicueta to left-back. The captain was impressive on Sunday, but is likely to find himself being forced to play deeper against City. I would continue with the same centre-back pairing of Antonio Rudiger, and Andreas Christensen. They didn’t cover themselves in glory at the weekend with the goal conceded, but some continuity is needed. Fikayo Tomori is still sidelined through injury.

Midfield

Ruben Loftus-Cheek gained some vital game time at the weekend. I think he will start again at Stamford Bridge. I actually think the midfield will remain unchanged, with Mateo Kovacic, and N’Golo Kante making up the three. Jorginho is available, but with five substitutions allowed, the Italian won’t have any problem with being involved at some point.

Front three

Pedro and Willian are staying for the duration of the season now, giving Lampard more long-term options. Christian Pulisic came off the bench to grab a goal on Sunday. For me he has earned himself a start. Mason Mount did well, but with so many games, a few changes won’t hurt. Willian to start on the right-wing, and Olivier Giroud to be the main man for me. The Frenchman scored the winner at Villa, so confidence will be high.

Lampard did hint in his press conference that there’s no need to make multiple changes. I think as the games continue the Blues boss will rotate some what. City will be a huge test as the Citizens come into the game off the back of a superb return to action.

Prediction: I’m sure many of us would be happy with a draw. We gained on our rivals at the weekend, and a point would at least gain parity from where we restarted the campaign. 1-1.