Manchester City vs Chelsea: City team news and predicted starting eleven | OneFootball

Up next for Manchester City is today’s FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea. The FA Cup holders will travel to Wembley fresh off their UEFA Champions League exit at the hands of Real Madrid. There is no time for Pep Guardiola’s squad to dwell on their loss with another big game ahead. With that in mind, how is the Manchester City squad shaping up, and how could Pep Guardiola line up in another big game in City’s season.

Manchester City team news

Following their penalty shootout defeat, it would be expected that the City squad would be feeling the affects of 120 minutes of intense football against Real Madrid. But there is no time for rest with another big game ahead today.

For Manchester City, there were three players who had to be substituted against Real Madrid. Erling Haaland, Kevin De Bruyne, and Manuel Akanji all had to be substituted as exhaustion caught up to them.

Pep Guardiola had an update on all three during his pre-game press conference yesterday. Of the three, Erling Haaland appears to be the player most likely to miss today’s game. Asked about Haaland and De Bruyne’s condition, Guardiola said: “I don’t know I’m not a doctor. He said a little bit niggles and we’ll see his evolution in the next hours. It was a tough game [against Madrid]. 120 mins of action. High intensity for both sides. Erling felt something. A muscular issue that meant he could not continue. Kevin was exhausted after five months out injured. That is normal. We will see tomorrow.”

Guardiola also had a brief update on Akanji’s condition. When asked about the Swiss defender’s availability he answered: “Yeah. No (injury). They were so tired, that’s all.”

Predicted Manchester City starting eleven

Stefan Ortega- Given Ortega is City’s cup keeper he should start today.

Rico Lewis- The scene appears set to for Lewis to start today. It is unlikely that Kyle Walker will back up after Wednesday’s game which should see Lewis start.

John Stones- The England international played the final 10 minutes of the loss to Real Madrid. He should start against Chelsea today.

Nathan Ake- After returning from injury Ake hasn’t featured. Today could be the day for Ake to return to the starting lineup.

Josko Gvardiol- While the Croatian defender may be tired from recent exertions he could be required to start today.

Mateo Kovacic- If Rodri is rested today it will likely see Kovacic start. He can do the job in midfield if he gets the nod to start at Wembley.

Matheus Nunes- It could be the day for Nunes to make his mark at Manchester City. He appears to need a moment to kickstart his City career and today could be the ideal day for it.

Phil Foden- Given his importance to Manchester City he should start today.

Jeremy Doku- Doku has been in sparkling form of late and that should see him start against Chelsea. He has the potential to be a match winner if he’s on his game today.

Jack Grealish- Grealish was one of City’s best players against Real Madrid before being substituted. Looks set for a big game if he starts today.

Julian Alvarez- If Erling Haaland isn’t fit enough to start Alvarez will be the main to lead the line for Manchester City. He has been out of sorts of late and needs a big performance for his confidence.