Predicted Chelsea line-up (4-2-3-1) vs Man City, Estevao & Palmer start

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January 4, 2026 16:00 GMT (UK), by Sri Aswin

Chelsea will be aiming to return to winning ways when they face Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium this evening.

Ahead of the Premier League game, the Blues will be without a permanent manager after Enzo Maresca was dismissed from the helm.

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Predicted Line-up:

Robert Sanchez has been the Blues’ regular shot-stopper in the Premier League and he is guaranteed to continue between the sticks.

Malo Gusto could slot in at right-back against the Cityzens as Marc Cucurella is anticipated to return on the opposite end after a hamstring injury.

Wesley Fofana and Trevoh Chalobah are the Blues’ most reliable solutions in the heart of the defence. They are widely expected to keep their places.

In midfield, Reece James could be called upon to fill the number six role with Moises Caicedo ruled out of the game due to another suspension.

Enzo Fernandez is poised to partner the Englishman in the centre of the park, while Cole Palmer is a strong candidate to start in the no.10 role.

Estevao Willian was phenomenal on the left wing in the second half against Bournemouth. We anticipate him to start there over Alejandro Garnacho.

Pedro Neto is likely to feature on the right side of the attack with Joao Pedro leading the line ahead of an underperforming Liam Delap.

Predicted Chelsea line-up (4-2-3-1) vs Man City: Sanchez; Gusto, Fofana, Chalobah, Cucurella; James, Fernandez; Neto, Palmer, Estevao; Pedro.