Man City predicted lineup vs Chelsea - FA Cup

Defeat to Real Madrid was a tough pill for Pep Guardiola to swallow, with the Spaniard saying his side were at their best, "but it was not enough".

Manchester City could have easily progressed into the Champions League semi-finals, but a profligate night at the Etihad combined with Real Madrid resilience and penalty shoot-out misfortune means the Cityzens merely have domestic work to consider the rest of the way.

Their quest for the double-treble is over, but the mere double is very much on. Top of the Premier League after last week's results, City now take on Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-finals.

The swift turnaround from Wednesday's slog means there will doubtlessly be changes, and here's the City team that could start against Chelsea on Saturday.

Man City predicted lineup vs Chelsea (3-2-4-1)

GK: Ederson - Stefan Ortega could come into the side, but Guardiola may want to ensure Ederson rediscovers his groove after a month out. The Brazilian has started City's previous two games.

CB: Manuel Akanji - Akanji started in midweek, but Kyle Walker, who's only just returned from an injury absence, is unlikely to get the nod again. The Swiss defender will be used to nullify Chelsea's speed in transition.

CB: John Stones - Guardiola has been cautious with his utilisation of Stones, with the Englishman earning a cameo off the bench in midweek. With Ruben Dias earning a rest, Stones could lead City's backline at the weekend.

CB: Nathan Ake - The Dutchman was back in the matchday squad against Real Madrid, suggesting he's fit once again.

DM: Rico Lewis - The City youngster has generally impressed when called upon this season, and he could be used in the hybrid role against the Blues.

DM: Rodri - Having earned a rare rest last weekend as City thumped Luton Town 5-1, Guardiola is unlikely to keep Rodri out of the side despite the Spaniard lasting 120 minutes in midweek. Rodri scored in both Premier League meetings against Chelsea this season.

RM: Jeremy Doku - The Belgian was bright on Wednesday and has generally occupied the left flank this season. However, Guardiola could use Doku wide right in a bid to exploit Marc Cucurella's one-v-one woes.

AM: Matheus Nunes - Nunes' season has failed to ignite, although the midfielder has shown glimpses in recent appearances. He was unused against Madrid, so he'll be fresh for this cup tie.

AM: Phil Foden - Kevin De Bruyne was off-key on Wednesday and is a more likely rest candidate than Foden despite the Englishman going the distance. Foden has earned plenty of time off in recent outings.

LM: Jack Grealish - If Guardiola does use Doku wide right, he'll surely opt for Grealish on the opposite flank to offer some balance.

ST: Julian Alvarez - With Erling Haaland withdrawn after 90 minutes because of a slight niggle against Real Madrid, Alvarez may come into the side to ensure the Norwegian is fit and firing for the Premier League title run-in.

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