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Attendance: 81,775
Chelsea logo
EFL Cup | Final
Feb 24, 2019 at 4.30pm UK
 
Manchester City logo

0-0

FT
(aet)
Man City win 4-3 on penalties

How Chelsea could line up against Manchester City

Sports Mole looks at how out-of-form Chelsea could line up for Sunday's EFL Cup final against holders Manchester City at Wembley.

Under-fire Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri could claim the first major trophy of his career on Sunday when his side take on Manchester City in the final of the EFL Cup at Wembley.

Sarri's future at Stamford Bridge has come under intense scrutiny in recent weeks, particularly after a 6-0 defeat to the same team they face on Sunday earlier this month.

Redemption is also on the line alongside silverware this weekend, then, although Chelsea have lost each of their last four games away from Stamford Bridge without scoring a single goal in that time.

Here, Sports Mole looks at how Sarri could set his side out for the make-or-break contest.



Possible CHE XI vs. MNC

Out: Marco van Ginkel (knee), Gary Cahill (back), Danny Drinkwater (Achilles)
Doubtful: Pedro (stomach), Kepa Arrizabalaga (hamstring), Davide Zappacosta (ill)

> Click here for the latest Chelsea injury and suspension news

Willy Caballero could start in goal against his former club as Kepa Arrizabalaga continues to struggle with the hamstring injury which sidelined him during the midweek win over Malmo.

Aside from that, though, the bulk of Chelsea's team should be predictable for Wembley, with Sarri refusing to compromise his tactical beliefs despite growing unrest among the fans.

Jorginho was booed by his own supporters when coming on against Malmo but retains the trust of his manager and is expected to return to the holding role which has caused so much debate this season.

Another source of frustration for the fans has been the refusal to start Callum Hudson-Odoi, although Sarri also seems adamant that he will not bow to pressure on that front either and the youngster may again be forced to settle for a place on the bench this weekend despite scoring against Malmo.

However, the news that Chelsea will not be able to sign any new players over the next two transfer windows may also put more pressure on Sarri to trust in his young players and keep Hudson-Odoi in particular at the club.

The likes of Gonzalo Higuain, Eden Hazard, Marcos Alonso and David Luiz are expected to return after being given the night off on Thursday, while Ross Barkley's current form could see him get the nod above Mateo Kovacic.

> Click here to see how Man City could line up for this match

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Pedro in action for Chelsea on December 30, 2017
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