Up next for Manchester City is a crunch Premier League clash with Chelsea. Mauricio Pochettino’s side will visit the Etihad Stadium for what looms as a vital match in City’s season.
Pep Guardiola’s side will come into the game off of 11 consecutive wins in all competitions. They beat FC Copenhagen 3-1 midweek in Champions League action and will be hoping to continue their good form against Chelsea.
For Chelsea, they come into the game off of a 3-1 win over Crystal Palace last weekend. Saturday’s game will also be Cole Palmer’s first game at the Etihad Stadium since departing the champions last summer.
The last meeting between the two teams finished 4-all at Stamford Bridge earlier this season. If this weekend’s clash follows the same pattern as their previous meeting an enthralling game awaits at the Etihad.
Manchester City injury/team news
Pep Guardiola’s side will head into Saturday’s clash with several players either out or in doubt due to injury.
Josko Gvardiol will miss the game due to an ankle ligament injury. Speaking following his team’s win over FC Copenhagen Pep Guardiola was asked about Gvardiol’s status. He said: “Josko will be two weeks or three weeks,” he said. “He has a problem with a ligament in his ankle.”
Jack Grealish also went off injured in the first half of City’s win at the Parken Stadium. The winger appeared to pick up a groin injury and would appear to be in doubt for tomorrow’s match.
Bernardo Silva picked up a knock on his ankle and was substituted late in the second half against FC Copenhagen. An update on the midfielder’s status for the Chelsea match is expected when Pep Guardiola faces the media later today.
Mateo Kovacic could also be in line to return to the Manchester City squad this weekend. The Croatian international missed the champion’s past two games but Guardiola informed the media following City’s midweek win that he was set to resume training late this week.
Predicted Manchester City starting eleven
Ederson: Despite his costly mistake midweek it would be expected that the Brazilian shot-stopper will take his place in goal this weekend.
Kyle Walker: Given the threat of Chelsea out wide City’s captain should start against Chelsea. He was given a torrid time by Raheem Sterling the last time the two teams played and will be keen to make amends.
John Stones: Was at his best against FC Copenhagen. Should resume his partnership with Ruben Dias again in a vital game for City.
Ruben Dias: Has begun to return to his best form of late. City are a better team with Dias in form and it is expected he will start again here.
Nathan Ake: With Josko Gvardiol ruled out Ake is almost an automatic selection at left back. He could move into a central role if Akanji is preferred at left back but I expect Ake to start on City’s left.
Rodri: An automatic selection. Rodri will have a vital role to play against Chelsea.
Bernardo Silva: If he recovers from the knock on his ankle in time he should start the game. He was in inspired form midweek and barring injury should take his place in Guardiola’s starting eleven.
Phil Foden: Another automatic selection. Foden continued his dominant form in midweek and will be a key player against Chelsea.
Kevin De Bruyne: Based on his recent form De Bruyne looks primed for another big performance. He often saves his best displays for Chelsea and another big performance on Saturday could go a long way to helping City pick a crucial three points.
Julian Alvarez: The Argentine striker didn’t feature against FC Copenhagen. With Grealish likely out of the game, it’s between Alvarez and Doku to replace the England international. I’ll go with Alvarez to start the game to play off Haaland.
Erling Haaland: City’s number 9 has made his presence felt since his return from a foot injury. With the passing of his grandmother earlier this week he may not be available but if he is he should start against Chelsea.
