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A 2-0 victory at Stamford Bridge on the opening weekend of the Premier League season was regarded as a statement of intent by perennial champions Manchester City.
“Here we go again…” cried many.
City started the 2024/25 campaign with five straight wins, but their world has been turned upside down since midfield lynchpin Rodri succumbed to a torn ACL. Their miserable run to the end of 2024 means City are not in title contention and can only hope to secure a place in the Champions League for next season.
In the new year there is a surge, but their A recent defeat against Paris Saint-Germain Showing the familiar weaknesses that have undermined City’s campaign to this point.
they take Chelsea This weekend will aim to bounce back immediately from Wednesday’s defeat and potentially reclaim a top-four berth. Guardiola could pick a squad for the visit of the Blues.
GK: Stefan Ortega – Ederson struggled mightily with the ball last time out, so it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Ortega called back this weekend.
RB: Rico Lewis – Kyle Walker is Milan-bound and Mathias Nunes is unwell at right-back. Lewis Rivers was excellent in the fixture, and should start at right-back on Saturday.
CB: Manuel Akanji – Akanji played a major role cityWednesday opener before things take a turn. Amidst the turmoil of the club’s centre-back depth chart this term, Akanji has been a reliable constant.
CB: John Stones – Ruben Dias and Nathan Ake are both doubtful, so could return to the starting XI for Stones. City conceded defeat just seconds after the Englishman entered the ground on Wednesday night.
LB: Josko Guardiol With Stones back, Guardiola can stay on the left side of defence.
CM: Ilkay Gundogan – The best of Ilkay Gundogan Gundogan has fallen behind Mateo Kovacic in the midfield pecking order, but the Croatian ball-carrier was poor in midweek and could be left out of the XI when City face his former club.
Chief Minister: Bernardo Silva – The City stalwart can do with a breather, but Guardiola most likely believes his team cannot function without Bernardo’s hustle and bustle. He is usually in a deeper midfield role of late.
RM: Phil Foden – Foden’s season has been on fire in recent weeks, with the English superstar scoring six in six before City traveled to the French capital. His upturn in form has been decisive at the Citizens. Premier League production
AM: Kevin De Bruyne – De Bruyne may no longer be quite as consistent, but he can still hang with the very best at the highest level. The Belgian has played a big role in the past few weeks, improving City’s attacking output. Omar Marmoush is a relief option from the bench.
LM: Savinho – Jack Grealish was involved in both goals on Wednesday, but Guardiola is likely to stick with the in-form Savinho against the Blues.
ST: Erling Haaland – Haaland opened City’s account for the season at Stamford Bridge and has re-emerged as a reliable goalscorer in 2025 as he aims to claim his third. The Golden Boot Successor.
