This weekend the reigning Premier League champions Manchester City face the European champions, Chelsea, in a repeat of the final held in May. Pep Guardiola has up to five injuries to deal with this weekend giving him very limited options on the field. The Pep roulette is unlikely to be in motion this weekend.
Who will feature in the game this weekend against a side that has beaten Man City three times in all competitions since January? We present our predicted starting XI for Saturday’s early kickoff.
GOALKEEPER: EDERSON
The Brazilian shot-stopper was rested for the club’s midweek triumph against Wycombe. Last season’s golden glove winner has kept four clean sheets in the league this season and would love to add another to the count against the reigning European champion.
DEFENDERS: WALKER-DIAS-AKE-CANCELO
City’s backline has been resolute again this season, despite the injuries that have affected members of the defence like John Stones, Aymeric Laporte and Zinchencko. The PL champions have failed to keep a clean sheet against the Blues in the last three competitive fixtures. This weekend, their work is cut out for them against a frontline that has scored in each game this season. Joao Cancelo has been a mainstay this season and has churned out great performances defensively and offensively.
MIDFIELDERS: FERNANDINHO-BERNARDO-DE BRUYNE
City’s midfield has been struck down by injury in recent weeks with Rodri joined on the sidelines by german star, Ilkay Gundogan. This weekend the fit again Kevin De Bruyne will feature from the start as they seek to beat a Chelsea side on the fourth try. Bernardo Silva should keep his place with club captain Fernandinho filling the holding role.
FORWARDS: JESUS-GREALISH-MAHREZ
Pep Guardiola’s rotation of his frontline should continue this weekend with Raheem Sterling most likely to make way. Gabriel Jesus has barely featured as the arrowhead, spending more time on the wing contributing three assists across five games this season. Riyad Mahrez could feature from the start after featuring as a second-half substitute last time out against Southampton.
Man City Predicted XI: Ederson, Walker, Dias, Ake, Cancelo, Fernandinho, Bernardo, De Bruyne, Jesus, Grealish, Mahrez.
