Cesc Fabregas has been included in Chelsea’s starting XI in the Premier League for just the second time this season for Saturday’s mouth-watering contest at Manchester City.
Spain international Fabregas has struggled to force his way into the first-team picture under Antonio Conte at Stamford Bridge this season and has just 87 minutes of Premier League football to his name.
However, Nemanja Matic – who had played in every league game this season – is out of the trip to the Etihad Stadium to face third-placed City, with the midfielder unavailable after reportedly sustaining an injury in training on Friday.
Fabregas has not started in the league since September 24th when Chelsea were beaten 3-0 at his former club Arsenal, and Conte had named the same line-up in the past six league matches.
“Matic suffering a little muscular problem and for this reason I change it,” Conte said. “I think Cesc is fit, in good shape and he can show all of his ability. It’s a big game, I trust in him. I hope Cesc and all the team do good games.”
87 – Prior to this game, Cesc Fàbregas has only played 87 minutes for Chelsea in the Premier League this season. Return.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) December 3, 2016
Manchester City, however, have seemingly attempted to match Conte’s favoured 3-4-3 formation.
Pep Guardiola makes six changes to the team that beat Burnley 2-1 last weekend, and John Stones, Nicolas Otamendi and Aleksandar Kolarov are set to line-up in a back three.
