EPL: Manchester City Vs Chelsea - Preview, team news and predicted line-ups

Bengaluru, Dec 1: Manchester City take on league leaders Chelsea FC in a crucial game week 14 encounter at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, December 3.

All leagues special site; EPL: Schedule of game week 14

Manchester City won their first 6 matches in the league and were comfortably placed at the top of the table. But a sudden defeat at the hands of Tottenham and then a couple of draws saw them go down the table to the third position.

Chelsea, on the other hand, had a shaky start to their campaign as they were struggling in the mid-table for the first 6 matches.

Conte's men took the top gear thereafter and won the next seven matches conceding just one goal. A change on formation did wonders for Chelsea as they now look one of the best teams in England and a serious title contender.

Kick-off: 6:00 PM (IST)

Venue: Etihad Stadium

The match will be telecasted LIVE on Star Sports Select HD and Hotstar in India.

Team News

Manchester City will be missing the services of club captain Vincent Kompany and Fabian Delph due to injury. Star attacker Raheem Sterling who suffered a blow last week against Burnley, is doubtful against Chelsea.

Considering the magnitude of the game and how the outcome will affect the title race, Pep Guardiola might field both Kevin De Bruyne and David Silva in the starting XI.

While De Bruyne might go up the line-up and play as a winger, David Silva will be played in the central midfield who can control the game alongside Yaya Toure and Fernandinho.

Chelsea will miss services of captain John Terry and John Obi Mikel who are not regular starters under Antonio Conte.

The regular first XI which Conte prefers are all fit to play and will be action against a strong Manchester City side.

It is unlikely that the Italian manager would make any change in the winning combination who are high on confidence at the moment.

Predicted XIs

Manchester City

Formation: 4-3-3

Line-up

Goalkeeper: Claudio Bravo

Defenders: Pablo Zabaleta, Nicolas Otamendi, John Stones, Aleksandar Kolarov

Midfielders: Fernandinho, David Silva, Yaya Toure

Strikers: Kevin De Bruyne, Sergio Aguero, Nolito

Chelsea FC

Formation: 3-4-3

Line-up

Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois

Defenders: Cesar Azpilicueta, Gary Cahill, David Luiz

Midfielders: Victor Moses, Nemanja Matic, N'Golo Kante, Marcus Alonso

Strikers: Pedro, Diego Costa, Eden Hazard

Prediction

Manchester City 1-1 Chelsea FC

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