Man City predicted the line-up against Chelsea
A 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge on the opening weekend of the Premier League season was seen as a statement of intent from perennial champions Manchester City.
“Here we go again…” cried many.
City have started the 2024/25 campaign. with five straight wins, but their world has been turned upside down since key midfielder Rodri succumbed to a torn ACL. Their poor run until the end of 2024 means City are out of the title race and are only hoping to secure a place in next season’s Champions League.
There was an increase in the new year, but theirs the recent loss to Paris Saint-Germain he showed the familiar vulnerabilities that have undermined City’s campaign to this point.
They take over Chelsea this weekend with the aim of immediately bouncing back from Wednesday’s defeat and potentially regaining a place in the top four. Here’s the squad Guardiola could pick for the Blues’ visit.
GK: Stefan Ortega – Ederson struggled a lot with the ball last time out, so it wouldn’t be a surprise if Ortega gets a recall this weekend.
RB: Rico Lewis – Kyle Walker goes to Milan and Matheus Nunes continues to look uncomfortable on the right flank. Lewis was excellent on the turn and should start at right back on Saturday.
CB: Manuel Akanji – Akanji played a big role in the Cityhe opened on Wednesday before things turned around. Amidst the turmoil of the club’s center back depth chart this period, Akanji has been a reliable constant.
CB: John Stones – Ruben Dias and Nathan Ake are doubtful, so there could be a return to the starting XI for the Stones. City conceded just seconds after the Englishman entered the fray on Wednesday night.
LB: Josko Guardiol – With the return of Stones, Guardiol can stay on the left side of the defense.
CM: Ilkay Gundogan – Gundogan has been behind Mateo Kovačić in midfield, but the Croatian ball carrier was poor in midweek and could be out of the starting XI when City play his former club.
CM: Bernardo Silva – City’s regular man could be breathing a sigh of relief, but Guardiola seemingly believes his side cannot function without Bernardo’s hustle and bustle. Recently, he has generally been stationed in a deeper midfield role.
RM: Phil Foden – Foden’s season has flared up in recent weeks, with the England superstar making it six in six before City traveled to the French capital. His rise in form has been key at Cityzens Premier League production.
AM: Kevin De Bruyne – De Bruyne may no longer be as utterly relentless, but he can still hang with the best at the highest level. The Belgian has played a big role in the past few weeks with City’s attacking output improving. Omar Marmoush is an option to offer a break from the bench.
LM: Savinho – Jack Grealish was involved in both goals on Wednesday, but Guardiola is likely to stick with an in-form Savinho against the Blues.
ST: Erling Haaland – Haaland opened City’s account for the season at Stamford Bridge and has re-emerged as a reliable goalscorer in 2025 as he aims to win his third Golden boot repeatedly.