Chelsea vs Man City: Ziyech set to make return for Lampard's side

- Chelsea vs Man City will see Hakim Ziyech make a return from injury for the Blues

- However, it is unlikely the winger will start the match, with Werner, Abraham and Hudson-Odoi expected to lead the goal hunt

- Matteo Kovacic is also likely to come in for Jorginho as Lampard looks to dominate in the midfield

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Chelsea are due to welcome back Hakim Ziyech when they take on Man City for their first Premier League match of the new year on Sunday, January 3.

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The Blues will be desperate to get their new year on the right footing having struggled in recent days.

The Stamford Bridge dwellers are without a win in two of their recent league matches, leaving them in sixth with 26 points after 16 rounds of matches.

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They, however, come up against a dented City side who have a number of players ruled out of the clash after COVID-19 hit Pep Guardiola's camp.

Be that as it may, Frank Lampard will still be keen to field a strong side, with Ziyech, who is making a return from injury due to start from the bench.

Edouard Mendy is expected to keep his place between the sticks, with Thiago Silva and Kurt Zouma taking their positions in the heart of defence.

Azpilicueta and Ben Chilwell are in line to lead charge on either flank of the backline, with N'Golo Kante providing cover in midfield alongside Mateo Kovacic and Mason Mount.

Timo Werner could be drafted in the line up in place of Christian Pulisic who has been underwhelming, while Callum Hudson-Odoi may keep his place.

Tammy Abraham is expected to lead the goal hunt upfront, with experienced forward Olivier Giroud dropping to the bench.

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Chelsea come into the match on the backdrop of a poor head-to-head record against City, winning just two of their last eight meetings against the blue side of Manchester in all competitions.

A win over the Citizens will take the west London side on level with third-placed Tottenham Hotspur with 29 points.

Possible Chelsea line up vs Man City:

Goalkeeper: Édouard Mendy

Defenders: Chilwell, Silva, Zouma, Azpilicueta

Midfielders: Kante, Kovacic, Mount

Forwards: Werner, Abraham, Hudson-Odoi

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Meanwhile, Legit.ng had earlier reported that Frank Lampard has confirmed that some Chelsea staff have tested positive for the deadly coronavirus disease ahead of their Premier League clash with Man City.

The Blues boss also revealed that no player was infested and the much-anticipated clash with Pep Guardiola's side will go on as scheduled.

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The west London club will be welcoming the Citizens to Stamford Bridge on Sunday, January 2, as both sides look to move into the top five spots.

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Source: Legit.ng