Chelsea vs Manchester City: Manuel Pellegrini gives kids a chance in Stamford Bridge gamble
The Chilean is aggrieved at the congested fixture list
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has stuck by his claims he would field a weakened side for the trip to face Chelsea in the FA Cup fifth round.
The Chilean is aggrieved at the congested fixture list with Champions League, Premier League and Capital One Cup commitments to also contend with.
Little known Tosin Adarabioyo, Aleix García, Manu Garcia, Bersant Celina and David Faupala all feature from the start against a comparably more experienced starting line-up for the hosts.
Speaking in the week, the City manager said: “I think it’s not a real game, of course. I would not pay for the ticket.
“We told [the fans] one week ago that we are going to play with a young team. If the people want to continue going to the stadium, or Chelsea fans will enjoy that game, I don’t know.”
Chelsea, meanwhile, start with big-hitters Diego Costa, Eden Hazard, Willian and Pedro in attacking positions while Thibaut Courtois is in goal for the hosts.
Today’s line-ups..
Chelsea: Courtois; Azpilicueta, Cahill, Ivanovic, Baba Rahman; Fabregas, Mikel; Pedro, Willian, Hazard; Diego Costa.
Subs: Begovic, Miazga, Matic, Loftus-Cheek, Oscar, Traore, Remy.
Manchester City: Caballero, Zabaleta, Adarabioyo, Demichelis, Kolarov, Fernando, A.Garcia, M.Garcia, Celina, Iheanacho, Faupala.
Subs: Hart, Clichy, Humphreys, Kompany, Fernandinho, Barker, Sterling.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments