A crucial fixture in the top-four race arrives at the Etihad on Saturday evening as Manchester City host Chelsea.
After starting the season so strongly, City looked on course to at least compete for a fifth-straight Premier League title. However, a remarkable collapse to conclude 2024 has seen their objectives shift drastically for the season.
While their domestic form has picked up in the new year, Pep Guardiola’s side are fifth in the table and a couple of points off their upcoming opponents in fourth. City head into Saturday’s bout having collapsed in Paris on Wednesday night, leaving their Champions League status in doubt.
Chelsea enjoyed the week off after downing Wolves 3-1 on Monday night – their first league win since Christmas. The Blues were deemed a title contender not so long ago, but their indifferent run over the past month has brought them back down to earth. They’re fighting for a top-four spot with Enzo Maresca aiming to improve on Mauricio Pochettino’s sole season at the club.
City coasted to a 2-0 victory the last time these two sides faced off on the opening weekend of the season.
Man City have been swift to reinforce this winter, and all three of their new arrivals are in contention for debuts this weekend. Omar Marmoush, Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis represent the future of the Cityzens, but Guardiola needs them now, too.
There’s been persistent chopping and changing in defence due to injuries this season, and Ruben Dias and Nathan Ake have re-emerged with fitness concerns. While Dias was forced off at half-time against PSG on Wednesday, Ake didn’t feature at all. Both are doubtful fo Saturday’s game, but John Stones could return to the starting lineup.
Lynchpin Rodri remains out of action alongside Oscar Bobb and Jeremy Doku. Kyle Walker is Milan-bound.
Man City predicted lineup vs Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Ortega; Lewis, Akanji, Stones, Gvardiol; Gundogan, Bernardo; Foden, De Bruyne, Savinho; Haaland.
Lavia has joined Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile in the treatment room, with Mykhailo Mudryk suspended.
Levi Colwill and Enzo Fernandez were both absent on Monday night and will be assessed ahead of kick-off. Reece James is pushing for back-to-back Premier League starts having recently returned from injury.
Chelsea predicted lineup vs Man City (4-3-3): Sanchez; James, Tosin, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Madueke, Palmer, Sancho; Jackson.
