How Chelsea Could Line Up vs Man City Ahead of EPL Cracker

• Graham Potter is expected to settle for a 3-5-2 formation when Chelsea take on Man City on Thursday night, January 5
• The Blues will be without at least six players for the clash, including long-term absentee N'Golo Kante who is battling a hamstring injury
• Potter's men have endured a rough patch in recent weeks, with the side currently placed 10th on the standings with 25 points

Graham Potter is expected to name a strong team to take on rivals Man City ahead of their Premier League meeting on Thursday night, January 5, at Stamford Bridge.

The match comes at a time the Blues are experiencing a torrid run of form that has seen them win just one Premier League match in seven outings.

Chelsea's last fixture ended in a 1-1 frustrating draw against relegation battlers Nottingham Forest last Sunday.

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The result dealt the west Londoners a huge blow in their top-four bid, with the side currently placed 10th on the standings with 25 points.

Chelsea team news

Potter will be without at least six key players for their clash against Man City, with Reece James, Ben Chilwell, N’Golo Kante, Wesley Fofana, Armando Broja and Edouard Mendy all set to miss the tie.

According to Evening Standard, James and Chilwell are expected to be out for close to a month as they battle their way back to fitness.

However, Fofana and Mendy could be back as soon as next week, while Kante is expected back in February after his hamstring surgery.

Predicted starting XI

Kep Arrizabalaga is expected to start between the sticks in the absence of Mendy, with Thiago Silva and Kalidou Koulibaly providing cover at the heart of defence.

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A recall to the midfield is expected for Mateo Kovacic, with the Croatian set to partner with the emerging Denis Zakaria.

Christian Pulisic can feel confident holding his place on the left flank, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang leading the goal hunt.

Chelsea possible starting lineup:

Kepa; Azpilicueta, Silva, Koulibaly, Cucurella; Kovacic, Zakaria; Sterling, Mount, Pulisic; Aubameyang

Chelsea interested in Mudryk

Earlier, Sports Brief reported Chelsea have reportedly opened talks with Shakhtar Donestk star Mykhaylo Mudryk over a potential January move to Stamford Bridge.

Mudryk has courted interest from top clubs, with Chelsea and Arsenal keen on his services.

The Gunners were firm favourites to land the Ukrainian forward before the Blues joined the race for his signature.