Manchester City will kick off their chase for a fifth consecutive Premier League title today against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. A tricky test awaits Pep Guardiola’s side as they begin a new season. Here is the latest City team news and a look at how the champions could line up against Enzo Maresca’s side to begin their 24/25 Premier League campaign.
Manchester City team news
The champions will take on Chelsea without two players. Oscar Bobb suffered a fractured leg at training earlier this week and looks set to be out for 3-4 months. Pep Guardiola confirmed the bad news during his pre-game press conference on Friday.
Another player who is out of today’s game for Manchester City is Rodri. Pep Guardiola told the media that City’s midfield general hasn’t trained this week ahead of today’s game. Due to this Rodri is unavailable for today’s game at Stamford Bridge.
It remains to be seen if Jack Grealish will come up in time for today’s match. He missed City’s Community Shield win over Manchester United due to a minor injury. It appears unlikely that Guardiola will take any risks with Grealish given that it is so early in the season. He could take his place on the bench depending on how he has recovered from the injury he suffered last week.
Predicted Manchester City starting eleven.
Ederson- It appears to be a no-brainer that Ederson will start in goal. He remains City’s number-one keeper and should start today.
Rico Lewis- Lewis has a superb pre-season and should be rewarded with a starting spot today. He could have a vital role to play for Manchester City given that Rodri is out of today’s game.
Ruben Dias- Dias looks set for a big season. He was good against Manchester United last weekend and should start today.
Manuel Akanji- The Swiss defender was arguably the best defender at the European Championships. He played well last weekend and should start today.
Josko Gvardiol- Manchester City’s Rolls Royce is almost an automatic selection at left-back. He will likely have a key role to play for Pep Guardiola’s side today.
Mateo Kovacic- With Rodri out Kovacic should anchor City’s midfield. He looked in good form during the pre-season and the hope is he can carry that into today’s game.
Bernardo Silva- Nico O’Reilly partnered Kovacic in midfield in the FA Community Shield. I believe Bernardo will partner Kovacic given his experience and talent.
Kevin De Bruyne- The Manchester City legend should start today. He will have a big role to play given that Oscar Bobb is out and Jack Grealish is in doubt.
Phil Foden- Foden only returned to the club this week after a busy summer. But based on City’s options for today’s game I expect him to start. He could be crucial to City’s chances today.
Jeremy Doku- It is a toss-up between Doku and Savinho as to who will line up on the wing for Pep Guardiola’s side. I’ll give the nod to Doku. He looked in good form last weekend and could be a dangerous player for the champions today.
Erling Haaland- City’s number 9 is an automatic selection for today’s game. He coasted through the Community Shield last weekend but will have a big role to play at Stamford Bridge. He scored a hat trick against Chelsea only a few weeks ago if he does similar today he could decide the match.
Chelsea this time they are gonna be better than last year so we aren’t fearing.