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Chelsea team news vs Man City: Predicted line up – Will this XI save Sarri from the sack?
MAURIZIO SARRI may need a win in the Carabao Cup final to save his job as Chelsea manager, so who will the Italian trust against Manchester City on Sunday (4.30pm).
Maurizio Sarri is feeling the heat at Stamford Bridge after a poor run of form has seen Chelsea fans turn against the Italian manager.
Victory over Malmo in the Europa League Round of 32 has done little to ease the pressure on the 60-year-old following defeats to Manchester City and Manchester United.
The thumping 6-0 loss to Pep Guardiola’s side was particularly embarrassing for the Chelsea hierarchy and sparked calls for Sarri’s departure.
The FA Cup exit last week only increased the demand for a change, with large numbers of Blues fans chanting “F*** Sarri-ball” and “You’re getting sacked in the morning” at the embattled boss.
Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has held off making a decision about Sarri’s future until after the Carabao Cup final, but another defeat to City could see the axe fall.
Much of the frustration at Stamford Bridge has been centred around Sarri’s predictable team selection and tactics, as well as his refusal to consistently play 18-year-old Callum Hudson-Odoi.
However, it is unlikely that the former Napoli boss will deviate much from his first-choice starting line-up this weekend after rotating against Malmo.
Kepa Arrizabalaga remains a doubt after missing the 3-0 win on Thursday with a hamstring problem, meaning Willy Caballero could start against his former side.
David Luiz and Marcos Alonso should both return in the back four at the expense of Andreas Christensen and Emerson Palmieri while Jorginho is likely to feature from the off.
N’Golo Kante is an automatic pick but Sarri will then have to choose between Mateo Kovacic, Ross Barkley and Ruben Loftus-Cheek for the final midfield berth.
Eden Hazard and Gonzalo Higuain were both unused substitutes against Malmo and will return with Olivier Giroud dropping to the bench.
Finally, Pedro missed out on Thursday due to illness but will challenge Willian and Hudson-Odoi for place out wide while Davide Zappacosta is the Blues’ only other injury concern.
Chelsea predicted line-up vs Manchester City – Carabao Cup
(4-3-3): Caballero; Azpilicueta, Rudiger, Luiz, Alonso; Jorginho, Kante, Barkley; Willian, Hazard, Higuain