Chelsea v Man City: Predicted line-ups, including how Liam Rosenior plans to cope without Enzo Fernandez

Liam Rosenior insists he still has a difficult task in selecting his Chelsea XI for Sunday’s visit of Manchester City, despite the club-imposed suspension of midfielder Enzo Fernandez.

Fernandez has apologised for comments made during the international break in which he suggested he wanted to live in Madrid, sparking speculation of a summer switch to Real Madrid, but will still serve the second of a two-game ban.

It leaves a large hole in the Chelsea midfield but Rosenior says he has plenty of options at his disposal.

He said: “I’ve got an outstanding squad, full of outstanding players. It’s still a very difficult team to pick in terms of the starting eleven. I need to get that right in the coming days.

“The positive is [Willian] Estevao getting 90 minutes against Port Vale. Trevoh Chalobah is working hard, he’s back on the pitch. Levi Colwill is in full training but he still needs to overcome some hurdles regarding selection. Reece James has been running today which is great. But I’ve got a good squad and I’m ready to take on Man City.”

Rosenior has made a mixed start to life at Stamford Bridge but says even a “magician” would have struggled to impose his ideas given the hectic schedule the club have faced.

He said: “It’s the first time since I’ve been here that I’ve had two clear training days in a row. 

“I don’t think a magician can make the team look how I want it to in the time I’ve had so far. 

“Any manager that comes in January – you have 20 games in 10 weeks. You’re trying to get to know players, you try to make evaluations. It’s difficult for anyone. For me, it’s using the time as best we can.

“I know what I want the team to look like. It may take time but it cannot be at the expense of fulfilling short-term objectives.”

Chelsea head into the weekend in sixth place, one point adrift of Liverpool. The top five finishers will play in the Champions League next season.

“I want my team to show what they’re capable of on Sunday,” added Rosenior.

“It’s three points that takes us closer to our objective. Qualifying for the Champions League is all we can focus on right now. There are teams fighting relegation, teams mid-table, teams pushing at the top end – it doesn’t matter. Every game is so difficult in this league. It’ll be a big challenge on Sunday but one we’re looking forward to.”

City can’t afford a slip-up if they are to win their battle with Arsenal and claim the title.

Pep Guardiola said: “Hopefully we can get a lot of points [between now and the end of the season]. The situation we are in in the Premier League, we need to get all of them otherwise it will not give us a chance to try until the end. 

“We have not been consistent enough in the season. We have dropped points that we should have taken which is why we are now in the position where we cannot do it differently.”

Team news for Chelsea v Manchester City

Andrey Santos is likely to fill the void left by Fernandez and start alongside Moises Caicedo.

City are still without Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol while John Stones is a major doubt. Mateo Kovacic is fit.

Predicted line-ups for Chelsea v Manchester City

Chelsea: Sanchez; Gusto, Fofana, Adarabioyo, Cucurella; Caicedo, Santos, Estevao, Palmer, Neto; Pedro

Manchester City: Donnarumma; Nunes, Khusanov, Guehi, O’Reilly; Rodri, Silva, Semenyo, Cherki, Doku; Haaland

Where to watch Chelsea v Manchester City: TV and online streams

Chelsea versus Manchester City kicks off on Sunday at 4.30pm UK time. It forms the second part of Sky’s Super Sunday and can be watched on Main Event and Premier League. It can be streamed on Sky Go.

If you’re watching from outside the UK, click HERE for details of the channels showing the game in your region.

Stats for Chelsea v Manchester City

• Chelsea are winless in their last nine Premier League games against Man City
• Manchester City have won four of their last five away Premier League games against Chelsea

Prediction for Chelsea v Manchester City