Manchester City are aiming to close the gap to league leaders Arsenal when they host Chelsea in the Premier League on Sunday.
Victories for Arsenal and Aston Villa on Saturday mean Pep Guardiola’s side are currently third, but conquering Chelsea will see them rise to second and move within four points of the Gunners. The pressure is on for the eight-time Premier League champions.
Facing Chelsea is never easy but the recent departure of Enzo Maresca offers City huge encouragement. The managerless Blues are in underwhelming form and are there for the taking.
Guardiola does have his share of injury issues and absentees at the Africa Cup of Nations, but the Spaniard still has a wealth of riches to call upon across his star-studded squad.
Here’s the XI he could select against Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium.
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GK: Gianluigi Donnarumma—The Italian starred with a string of impressive saves in the disappointing New Year’s Day draw at Sunderland and will be expecting a busy outing against an exciting Chelsea forward line.
RB: Matheus Nunes—Nunes will be kept on his toes by a selection of speedy Chelsea wingers and the Portugal international is not blessed with searing pace. Right back could be a problem area for City on Sunday.
CB: Rúben Dias—Dias will offer assurance at the back whether facing the intricate João Pedro or Chelsea’s battering ram Liam Delap. The Portuguese defender seldom puts a foot wrong.
CB: Joško Gvardiol—Gvardiol started on the bench against Sunderland and came on at left back, but should reclaim his place in the middle from Nathan Aké on Sunday. He’s forged a strong partnership with Dias.
LB: Nico O’Reilly—The youngster will be greeted by Pedro Neto or Estêvão and will be handed sizeable tests by either of the tricky Chelsea forwards.
DM: Rodri—Guardiola would ideally like to reintroduce Rodri more slowly but a knock for Nico González may force the Ballon d’Or winner to return to the lineup. Ex-Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovačić is also missing in the middle.
DM: Tijjani Reijnders—Reijnders has been in strong attacking form lately having briefly lost his way following an encouraging start at City. Three goals and an assist in his last eight matches will provide him with a timely confidence boost.
RW: Rayan Cherki—Cherki has sparkled non-stop since returning from injury and becoming a mainstay in Guardiola’s lineup. The delightful Frenchman could well prove the difference-maker against a leaky Chelsea defence.
AM: Bernardo Silva—Silva no longer steals the show like he was once capable of doing, but he’s a steady leader in the centre for Guardiola. A necessary inclusion on the big occasion.
LW: Phil Foden—Just six goal contributions in 18 games against Chelsea is not earth-shattering but the Englishman has been reinvigorated this season and will be keen to add to his tally.
ST: Erling Haaland—Six goal contributions in six games against Chelsea is a much more impressive return and Haaland, having blanked in his last two, will be smelling blood ahead of a clash with the uncertain Blues.
