Manchester City are set to host Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, with the Citizens already confirmed as Premier League champions. Pep Guardiola has no fresh injury concerns, so he has the luxury of making changes to his starting XI, which could include resting key players ahead of the looming FA Cup and Champions League finals.
Despite already being crowned champions, Guardiola is likely to field a strong side for the visit of Chelsea, as he will want to celebrate their third successive Premier League title in style. City thrashed Real Madrid 4-0 midweek in the Champions League, and Guardiola is expected to stick to a similar side.
However, City could be without defender Nathan Ake, who is still recovering from a hamstring injury. Manuel Akanji could continue on the left of defence in his absence. Kyle Walker has impressed in both Champions League matches, so he is set to keep his place, facing off against Vinicius Junior once again.
Ilkay Gundogan has been in breathtaking form for City this season, making him a near certainty for the starting lineup, with little rotation set to take place in midfield. With that said, Phil Foden and Julian Alvarez may once again have to settle for places on the bench.
The predicted Man City XI, according to the article, features Ederson in goal. Walker, Dias, Akanji, and Stones make up the backline, with Rodri anchoring the midfield. Mahrez, Gundogan, De Bruyne, and Grealish round out the midfield, providing attacking options. The star signing Haaland completes the lineup, whose presence will surely strike fear in the Chelsea defence.
Manchester City‘s season has been nothing short of brilliant, particularly in the second half of it. They continuously displayed an attacking potency that few teams could cope with. Even though Manchester City had already claimed the victory, the game against Chelsea is certain to be an intense encounter, with both sides looking to win.
The match is expected to showcase some of the best that English football has to offer, the champions against the European champions to be in an exhilarating experience. Manchester City has already won the Premier League; however, this match will serve as an opportunity for them to lay down a marker ahead of their Cup finals. They will want to reaffirm themselves as the best team in England and one of the strongest teams in Europe.
Regardless of the outcome, both teams will look to put on a show for the fans. It’s a dream fixture, and the match is set to produce some scintillating football.
