There is no way around it, Chelsea FC supporters are just going to have to be very patient about their club’s rebuilding timeline.
With a new owner, Todd Boehly, and manager, Graham Potter, not to mention a lot of roster overhaul from the transfer market, it’s going to be awhile before the new players and new leadership figures really gel. That’s not what Blues fans want to hear right now, but it is what it is.
Chelsea FC vs Manchester City FYIs
Kickoff: Thursday Jan 5, 8pm, Etihad Stadium
Team News: Chelsea Manchester City
Starting XI Predictions: Chelsea Manchester City
Transatlantic Passage: How the Premier League Redefined Soccer in America: LINK
Google Result Probability: Chelsea 18% Draw 23% Manchester City 59%
PL Form: Chelsea DWLLL Manchester City DWLWW
PL Standing: Chelsea 9th, 25pts Manchester City 2nd, 36pts
Chelsea Team News
There have been some growing pains, and more painful experiences are expected when Manchester City come to town. Long term injury absentees N’Golo Kante and Reece James remain unavailable, but they are working hard on the comeback trail. It shouldn’t be too much longer until they are back at full fitness.
Elsewhere Edouard Mendy (shoulder) and Ruben Loftus-Cheek (calf) are also convalescing, but this match likely could be too soon for the duo to be named in the team.
Finally, Armando Broja, Ben Chilwell and Wesley Fofana remain out for the foreseeable future, with the first name that we mentioned there done for the season.
Paul M. Banks is the owner/manager of The Sports Bank. He’s also the author of “Transatlantic Passage: How the English Premier League Redefined Soccer in America,” and “No, I Can’t Get You Free Tickets: Lessons Learned From a Life in the Sports Media Industry.”
He’s written for numerous publications, including the New York Daily News, Sports Illustrated and the Chicago Tribune. He regularly appears on NTD News and WGN News Now. Follow the website on Twitter and Instagram.