While Chelsea’s pre-season fixtures have no doubt been testing up to now, Saturday night will bring their biggest challenge yet as they take on a Premier League rival.
They don’t come much tougher in tests than champions Manchester City, with this very much a dress rehearsel for the Premier League curtain-raiser at Stamford Bridge.
Enzo Maresca is no doubt getting closer to seeing who he will be starting for that game, with players looking to prove their worth over in the United States.
Here’s The Chelsea Chronicle’s predicted side for the friendly against City.
Chelsea predicted XI vs Manchester City
New signing Filip Jorgensen will make his first start since his summer move, as he pushes to become the Number One ahead of Robert Sanchez.
Reece James‘ minutes have been managed despite starting every game, and the fact he seemed to find his best role on the right of defence vs Club America will see Maresca start him there.
Free signing Tosin Adarabioyo has made the most of his minutes in pre-season so far, and will begin the game at the back again.
Levi Colwill was given a rest for the previous friendly, meaning he should be primed and ready to go at the centre of defence on Saturday.
Inverting into midfield will be the job of Malo Gusto, as he looks to find himself a regular place in the side for the upcoming campaign
Romeo Lavia impressed greatly against Club America, and will look to continue his pre-season success agianst the Premier League champions.
While he has only played 45 minutes so far, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall has enjoyed a strong start to life at Chelsea and will start again tomorrow.
Playing alongside him will be Christopher Nkunku, who has so far scored in every game this summer.
Right-wing will be the position played by Noni Madueke, who found the net for the first time after finally getting himself a penalty to take for himself.
The opposite side will see Raheem Sterling start against his former side, with him no doubt hoping the same fate awaits him on the opening day of the season.
Up front, the impressive Marc Guiu will remain, as Nicolas Jackson edges closer to a first appearance of pre-season.
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