Predicted Manchester City Lineup To Face Chelsea
Manchester City are one of the few sides that have been consistent since the turn of the year. They managed to take just a point from their trip to the Emirates at the weekend. Though Pep Guardiola will know that they could have taken all three, he will hope that they put in a similar performance when they travel to another stadium in London – the Stamford Bridge. The Blues, at the top of the table, are fresh from a loss to Crystal Palace at the home at the weekend and have lost some ground at the top of the table. And if they fail to take even a point from this game, it may well dent their chances of winning the title with games to spare. Manchester City
The Blues, at the top of the table, are healing from a loss to Crystal Palace at home and have lost some ground at the top of the table. And if they fail to take even a point from this game, it may well dent their chances of winning the title. Manchester City are 11 points off Chelsea and have little chance of catching them but a victory in this game can go a long way.
Team News:
Ilkay Gundogan and Gabriel Jesus are no close to a return but Bacary Sagna will remain the only other player missing from the squad that travels to London this week.
Probable Starting Lineup:
Formation: 4-3-3
Manager: Pep Guardiola
GK – Willy Caballero
The first choice shot-stopper for City, Caballero has been decent in the last few games and should start against Chelsea.
RB – Jesus Navas
A productive performance at both ends of the field by Navas, in a right-back role, should see him start this game in a similar position for City.
CB – John Stones
The English defender will have his work cut out against the likes of Diego Costa as he has to keep his silent for City to stand a chance in this game.
CB – Nicolas Otamendi
The most consistent defender for City this season, Otamendi will also have a huge role to play if City are to keep Chelsea away from their goal.
LB – Aleksandar Kolarov
An unused substitute in the previous game, Kolarov should replace Clichy and will be up against Pedro and Azpilicueta in this game.
CDM – Fernandinho
The first choice midfielder for Guardiola, Fernandinho had a decent game at the Emirates and will hope to put in a similar performance against the Blues.
CM – David Silva
The Spanish playmaker will have a huge role to play as he will have to create chances for his side to try and put pressure on the Chelsea defence.
CM – Kevin de Bruyne
A decent game in a slightly deeper role for De Bruyne should see Guardiola use him as a part of the midfield three in the game against Chelsea too.
RW – Raheem Sterling
The former Liverpool man was a constant menace to Arsenal in the previous game and he will be up against a strong Chelsea defence, hoping to get the better of them.
LW – Leroy Sane
The scorer of the first goal at the weekend, Sane has been in superb form of late and he will be a danger man to Chelsea too in this crunch game.
ST – Sergio Aguero
The Argentine striker was on target for City against Arsenal and Pep Guardiola will need him to fire on all cylinders if they are to take all three points from this game.
This is how they would line up: