Man City predicted lineup vs Chelsea - Premier League | OneFootball

A 2-0 victory at Stamford Bridge on the opening weekend of the Premier League season was regarded as a statement of intent from perennial champions Manchester City.

"Here we go again..." many cried.

City started the 2024/25 campaign with five straight wins, but their world has been turned upside down since midfield lynchpin Rodri succumbed to an ACL tear. Their woeful run to conclude 2024 means City are not in title contention and merely hopeful of securing a Champions League berth for next season.

There's been an upsurge in the new year, but their recent defeat to Paris Saint-Germain manifested the familiar vulnerabilities which have undermined City's campaign up to this point.

They take on Chelsea this weekend aiming to immediately bounce back from Wednesday's defeat, and potentially reclaim a top-four berth. Here's the team Guardiola could pick for the Blues' visit.

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

Erling Haaland has rediscovered his scoring form / Mike Hewitt/GettyImages

GK: Stefan Ortega - Ederson struggled mightily with the ball last time out, so it wouldn't be a surprise to see Ortega recalled this weekend.

RB: Rico Lewis - Kyle Walker is Milan-bound and Matheus Nunes continues to look uncomfortable down the right flank. Lewis was excellent in the reverse fixture, and he should start at right-back on Saturday.

CB: Manuel Akanji - Akanji played a big role in City's opener on Wednesday before things took a turn. Amid the tumult 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 doubts, so there could be a return to the starting XI for Stones. City conceded just seconds after the Englishman entered the fray on Wednesday night.

LB: Josko Gvardiol - With Stones coming back in, Gvardiol can remain on the left side of defence.

CM: Ilkay Gundogan - Gundogan has fallen behind Mateo Kovacic in the midfield pecking order, but the Croatian ball-carrier was poor in midweek and could come out of the XI as City take on his former club.

CM: Bernardo Silva - The City stalwart could do with a breather, but Guardiola seemingly believes his team can't function without Bernardo's hustle and bustle. He's generally been stationed in a deeper midfield role as of late.

RM: Phil Foden - Foden's season has ignited over the past couple of weeks, with the English superstar scoring six in six before City travelled to the French capital. His upsurge in form has been pivotal in the Cityzens' Premier League production.

AM: Kevin De Bruyne - De Bruyne may no longer be so utterly relentless, but he can still hang with the very best at the highest level. The Belgian has played a big role over the past few weeks with City's attacking output improving. Omar Marmoush is an option to offer respite off the bench.

LM: Savinho - Jack Grealish was involved in both goals on Wednesday, but Guardiola will likely stick with the in-form Savinho against the Blues.

ST: Erling Haaland - Haaland opened City's account for the season at Stamford Bridge and he's re-emerged as a reliable goalscorer in 2025 as he aims to claim his third Golden Boot in succession.