Manchester City prediction: Probable Man City XI to face Chelsea

Manchester City will travel to London as they are set to take on Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Thursday.

Pep Guardiola’s men were brilliant in the last outing as they beat Burnley 5-0. However, the game against Chelsea will not be an easy one. They will have to make sure to take maximum points away from the game.

The Blues, on the other hand, will be going into this game on the back of a comeback victory and will be hoping to extend their gap with the 5th-placed side.

Team News

Claudio Bravo and John Stones haven’t yet returned to the squad since the break due to injuries. Sergio Aguero will be a notable absentee after he picked up an injury in the last outing. While Eric Garcia is set to be on the sidelines, Phil Foden is doubtful for the game.

Predicted Man City XI

Formation: 4-3-3

Ederson (GK)

The Brazilian shot-stopper didn’t have much to do in the last outing. Though he has not been at his best throughout the campaign, he is City’s first choice in goal and would be hoping to keep another clean sheet.

Kyle Walker (RB)

Walker was rested for the previous game but is expected to return to the line-up for this high-octane encounter. He will be expected to be at his best at both ends of the pitch.

Nicolas Otamendi (CB)

The Argentine, who has been inconsistent throughout the campaign, had a solid outing last time. He is expected to retain his spot and should be at his physical best against Frank Lampard’s men.

Aymeric Laporte (CB)

The Frenchman was also one of the members rested against Burnley. He should be back in the starting XI and will be a leader at the back.

Benjamin Mendy (LB)

The former Monaco man played in an unusual position in the last outing but should be given the nod ahead of Oleksandr Zinchenko against Chelsea. He should be able to support the team’s attack too.

David Silva (RCM)

The Spaniard is one of the key members of the squad. He looks fresh since the restart and will be an undoubted start.

Rodri (CDM)

The 24-year-old is one of the best defensive midfielders of the game. He will be key to stopping Chelsea’s attack.

Kevin De Bruyne (LCM)

The 28-year-old playmaker will be key to unlocking Chelsea’s defence. He is one of City’s prized assets and has been reliable throughout the campaign. He should return to the starting XI after being rested in the last game.

Riyad Mahrez (RW)

His confidence would be boosted after he scored a couple of goals against the clarets. He is capable of causing damage to any defensive unit. He is likely to retain his spot.

Raheem Sterling (LW)

Though he has struggled on a few occasions this season, Sterling has been able to bang in goals in the much-needed situations. He already has 12 goals so far and will be hoping to add to his goal tally.

Read more

• Why Manchester City should make a move for Jadon Sancho
• Why Alex Telles would be a perfect fit at Manchester City

Gabriel Jesus (ST)

The Brazilian will be leading the attack in the absence of Sergio Aguero and should be able to get his name on the scoresheet.