As several senior members of the Manchester City juggernaut have only recently returned to training, it will be a challenge to call their predicted lineup to go head-to-head against Chelsea on Sunday.
Pep Guardiola’s side will face the daunting challenge of travelling to Stamford Bridge to kickstart their 2024/2025 Premier League campaign; with the Catalan’s side only playing their league opener at the Etihad Stadium during his debut season with a 2-1 win against Sunderland.
As a result, the Manchester City boss will welcome the challenge with open arms.
Guardiola’s players are expected to as well, having undergone the challenging task of winning a game away from home to kickstart their season.
The Manchester City boss could be set to potentially make only two changes to the side that recently defeated Manchester United in the FA Community Shield as he prepares to get one over his former assistant, Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea side.
Manchester City predicted lineup to face Chelsea
Ederson Moraes confirmed he will stay at Manchester City after his side’s triumph against United and following from that confirmation, he looks set to keep his goal in goal against Chelsea.
With Kyle Walker returning to training on Monday, as per a report by Manchester Evening News, Rico Lewis looks set to retain his place at right-back against United after playing the full 90 minutes of the clash.
At centre-back, Manchester City could remain unchanged as Manuel Akanji and Ruben Dias played throughout the Manchester Derby.
Considering Josko Gvardiol played during City’s US pre-season tour unlike Nathan Ake, he could start once again versus Chelsea.
Mateo Kovacic could return to Stamford Bridge as the Sky Blues’ lone defensive midfielder, considering Rodri’s return to training is expected on Wednesday — which could mean Pep Guardiola continues to play the former at the base of midfield until the Spaniard is fully match-fit.
Nico O’Reilly looks likely to lose his place in the double pivot against Chelsea to Bernardo Silva, who replaced him against Manchester United and got on the score sheet.
Similarly, James McAtee could also be benched due to Kevin De Bruyne in the attacking midfield position, who came on as a late substitute against Erik ten Hag’s side.
The £54.5 million man has a brilliant record against the Blues — scoring five goals in 14 league appearances against them and he would be looking forward to adding to his tally on Sunday.
David James backed Oscar Bobb to start against Chelsea and after how excellent he was on the right-wing in the Community Shield, it is difficult to disagree with the pundit’s claim.
Up front, Erling Haaland seems virtually guaranteed to start against Enzo Maresca’s side.
Pep Guardiola claimed Jack Grealish’s fitness is a doubt ahead of Manchester City’s upcoming contest against Chelsea and as a result, Jeremy Doku could keep his place on the left flank.
Manchester City predicted lineup vs Chelsea: Ederson, Lewis, Akanji, Dias, Gvardiol, Kovacic, Bernardo, De Bruyne, Bobb, Haaland, Doku
