Man City vs Chelsea predicted XIs: Confirmed team news and probable lineups
The biggest game in the Premier League this weekend takes place at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, when Manchester City host Chelsea as they look to continue in their hunt for a fourth successive league title.
The reverse fixture was a pulsating 4-4 draw so it should be an exciting clash, especially as the Blues have found their feet recently and the Citizens have been on an exceptional run.
Pep hails Chelsea as an “exceptional team”
Man City have had the upper hand over Chelsea since their defeat to the Blues in the 2021 Champions League final, winning six of the seven games between the two sides. The only exception was the 4-4 draw played out at Stamford Bridge earlier in the campaign, but despite their incredible record, Pep Guardiola believes this is will one of the hardest matches City will have in 2023/24.
“Chelsea are an exceptional team. One of the toughest games we will have this season,” he said during his pre-match press conference.
“In the last few games his (Mauricio Pochettino’s) side have played really, really good. They have everything, they are intense, they have quality and it is difficult to find one of their players that can lose the ball. They are a really good team, it will be a tough one.”I have a lot of respect (for Mauricio)”
The Spaniard was also full of praise for former midfielder Cole Palmer, who could become the first former City player to score home and away against Man City with a goal this weekend.
“I didn’t have any doubts about his quality. “The way he is playing, he’s a star player, an exceptional, exceptional player. “It was only a matter of time before he showed his immense quality.”
Team news
Jack Grealish and Bernardo Silva were forced off in City’s win over Copenhagen in the Champions League on Tuesday and could miss out.
Silva is the likelier of the two to play according to boss Pep Guardiola, and the Portuguese may feature alongside Mateo Kovacic, who is nearing a return. Defender Josko Gvardiol is set to miss at least another week, though.
Malo Gusto and Thiago Silva were both forced off in Chelsea’s win at Crystal Palace on Monday.
Gusto should recover in time to play at the Etihad but Silva’s groin issue is still being assessed. The Brazilian’s fellow centre-back Benoit Badiashile is out.
Romeo Lavia, Reece James, Welsey Fofana, Marc Cucurella, Lesley Ugochukwu and Robert Sanchez are long-term absentees for the Blues, although goalkeeper Sanchez is expected to return this month.
Predicted XIs for both teams
Manchester City (4-1-4-1): Ederson; Walker, Stones, Dias, Ake; Rodri; Foden, De Bruyne, Nunes, Doku; Haaland.
Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Petrovic; Gusto, Disasi, Colwill, Chilwell; Caicedo, Fernandez; Madueke, Gallagher, Jackson; Palmer.
READ MORE:
Premier League predictions & tips
Football Accumulator tips
Latest live streaming fixtures
