Match to be played on Saturday February 15 2014 at 17:15 GMT. Venue: Etihad Stadium, Manchester.
Manchester City have the chance to get some revenge over Chelsea when they host the Blues for the FA Cup clash this weekend.
Manuel Pellegrini’s side are in a great position to win silverware on multiple fronts this season, which guarantees that he will be taking this match seriously and will field a very strong side for the game.
Here’s the eleven he could go with.
GK – Joe Hart
Hart remains one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League and European football. He provides the back four with a great deal of confidence.
RB – Pablo Zabaleta
The Argentinian will be tasked with providing balance to the back four as well as getting forward to create extra width on the right hand side.
CB – Vincent Kompany
Kompany will drive the whole team, not just the defence. He has a massive role to play in terms of leadership, especially if City don’t get off to a good start.
CB – Martin Demichelis
Looks like a far better player in the heart of the back four over defensive midfield. Playing him further up didn’t work in the league game so expect him to drop back.
LB – Gael Clichy
Clichy has the pace which can put Chelsea onto the back foot down the left. Defensively he needs to stay close to Demichelis because the Blues will look to exploit him.
RM – Jesus Navas
Navas is arguably the best wide man that City have in their squad. If he starts then his role will be to press, attack and keep Cesar Azpilicueta pinned inside his own half.
CM – Yaya Toure
Toure is probably a little lucky that he’s playing this game following that incident against Norwich but he’ll start. He’s effective at either end of the pitch in defensive and attacking roles.
CM – James Milner
Never going to be the most exciting player but he’s versatile and will cover any position across the midfield, perhaps even swapping with David Silva at times.
LM – David Silva
Silva provides control and protection of possession. He can setup other players in a split second and create chances from a variety of positions over the pitch.
ST – Edin Dzeko
Dzeko should use this match as a chance to show the boss why he should be starting every single week. He’s a threat on the deck and in the air.
ST – Alvaro Negredo
Of all Manchester City’s summer signings, Negredo has arguably been the most impressive. He will be all over Chelsea’s defence like a rash looking for an opening and a half chance.
image: © Free-ers
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