90min

Man City predicted lineup vs Chelsea - Premier League

By Jamie Spencer

Kevin de Bruyne should make his first Premier League start of the season
Kevin de Bruyne should make his first Premier League start of the season / James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images
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Manchester City face their toughest game of the season so far as they prepare to face joint Premier League leaders Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in Saturday’s early kickoff.

City have been inconsistent this season, scoring only once in their last two league matches against Southampton and Leicester, off the back of successive 5-0 wins before that.

More recently, a heavily rotated City side thrashed Wycombe 6-1 in the Carabao Cup in midweek after coming from behind against the League One side.

Here’s a look at the starting XI Pep Guardiola could pick…

1. Goalkeeper & defenders

Nathan Ake could retain his Premier League place
Nathan Ake could retain his Premier League place / Matthew Ashton - AMA/Getty Images

Ederson (GK): Will replace Zack Steffen after the American deputised in midweek. Hasn’t conceded in the Premier League since the opening day but that record will be severely tested here.

Kyle Walker (RB): Has successfully reclaimed his place since the opening weekend of the season and was rested against Wycombe so should be fresh for this one.

Ruben Dias (CB): An ever-present in the Premier League so far, his leadership and composure will be crucial if City are to keep Romelu Lukaku and Chelsea at bay.

Nathan Ake (CB): Fitness doubts surrounding John Stones and Aymeric Laporte could see the Dutchman continue after being drafted in against Southampton.

Joao Cancelo (LB): The lack of options at left-back will likely see him continue on that side. Has been an ever-present in the league this season, with the four appearances on the left.

2. Midfielders

Phil Foden
Phil Foden was in top form against Wycombe / James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images

Kevin De Bruyne (CM): Set for his first start of the Premier League season after getting 90 minutes under his belt against Wycombe. Also started in the Champions League against RB Leipzig.

Fernandinho (CM): Doubts over Rodri’s fitness could see the veteran Brazilian called into the XI. He also started the last league game against Southampton.

Phil Foden (CM): A goal and two assists against Wycombe was exactly the introduction needed after an injury-hit start to the season. Questions over Ilkay Gundogan’s fitness could see him start.

3. Forwards

Chelsea will provide the biggest test Jack Grealish has faced
Chelsea will provide the biggest test Jack Grealish has faced / Alex Livesey/Getty Images

Gabriel Jesus (RW): Has become City’s preferred right-wing starter ahead of Riyad Mahrez this season, although there will always be stiff competition from the Algerian.

Ferran Torres (ST): Although not a natural ‘number nine’, the young Spaniard has become the automatic choice in the role this season following Sergio Aguero’s exit.

Jack Grealish (LW): The £100m man has impressed without catching fire this season, characterising an altogether inconsistent attack. This will be the biggest test he has faced so far.

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