On Sunday afternoon, Manchester City will be looking to maintain their recent strong form when they face Chelsea.
City have had a successful week thus far, as they defeated Bournemouth 6-1 over the weekend and defeated Young Boys 3-0 in the Champions League. Pep Guardiola’s squad has qualified with an extra game to advance to the knock-out stages with this triumph.
Nevertheless, the evening was less than ideal as John Stones sustained a muscle injury that will require his absence for a minimum of several weeks. While his injury is not as severe as initially anticipated, there is currently no return schedule in place, unlike Kevin De Bruyne.
Manuel Akanji trained on Tuesday and is deemed fit to play; no additional injuries are of concern.
Simon Bajkowski
John Stones and Jeremy Doku are the two most significant selection concerns for this game, and one likely influences the other. Doku would have likely been given the nod had Stones been in good health, but his injury will likely necessitate a bit more prudence in order to fill the void, and Doku is likely to be the one to suffer the consequences.
Manu Akanji appears to be the most qualified candidate to assume the responsibility of advancing from defense, given that he has done so the most since Stones and is therefore most at ease in that position. By reintegrating Bernardo Silva into the squad, he will once again be able to contribute to the team’s overall performance by floating about the field.
Given their form this season, Phil Foden and Julian Alvarez must start, and Erling Haaland’s two goals in midweek make him an automatic starter up front. Doku annihilated Bournemouth over the weekend, but Jack Grealish delivered another solid performance in midweek, and he so impressed away at Old Trafford that it is unlikely Pep Guardiola will alter his mind about another significant away match.
Joe Bray
On Sunday, Guardiola will almost certainly prioritize discipline over flair, notwithstanding Chelsea’s vulnerabilities. I could see him turn to his ‘control’ team instead of focusing on Jeremy Doku and the like in the attack, given that he has always treated Chelsea with tremendous esteem, particularly at Stamford Bridge.
Ruben Dias may be partnered by Manu Akanji, if healthy, and Kyle Walker may rejoin the squad. In the midfield, Bernardo Silva and Rodri provide ample battle and control, while Phil Foden can assist Julian Alvarez inside if Kyle Walker advances, or he can put on one of his signature displays on the right wing, as he did at Manchester United.
The primary dilemma will be whether to choose Jack Grealish’s composure and directness or Jeremy Doku’s directness and skill. Grealish may have the upper hand due to his experience in big games; Guardiola remarked that he had trained exceptionally well this week. Doku, a substitute, is a formidable asset for any team in the league during the second half.
Dan Murphy
As the match is against a formidable opponent, Jack Grealish should start on the left flank due to the additional protection he provides at left back and his proficiency in ball retention. However, Jeremy Doku, who recorded four assists last weekend, must also start so that he can replace Phil Foden at right back.
Bernardo Silva should partner Rodri in the midfield, while the injured John Stones is replaced by Manuel Akanji. At left back, Nathan Ake wins over Josko Gvardiol.