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Chelsea-Manchester City Preview: Back in Action

By J.C. Gonzalez

Manchester City's Argentinian striker Sergio Aguero (L) celebrates after he scores his team's second goal during the UEFA Champions League 1st round day 6 group C football match between Manchester City and Marseille at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, north west England, on December 9, 2020. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP) (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Manchester City's Argentinian striker Sergio Aguero (L) celebrates after he scores his team's second goal during the UEFA Champions League 1st round day 6 group C football match between Manchester City and Marseille at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, north west England, on December 9, 2020. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP) (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images) /
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Manchester City return to Premier League play after the postponement of the Everton match due to COVID-19.

Manchester City got a break during the incredibly tense festive period of Premier League football, but it came in the form of a COVID-19 outbreak at the club. With the Blues now set to return to the pitch, they face a steep challenge in the form of Chelsea, who are a talented but struggling side desperate to get back into top gear.

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Given that we are not entirely sure of the full list of positive tests other than Gabriel Jesus and Kyle Walker, predicting City’s team will be extremely difficult. Although it is not confirmed that Ederson has contracted the virus, he is self-isolating, and therefore is likely to be unavailable.

City are on the road, down five players, and playing against a Chelsea side in desperate need of points. Despite the longest rest of the season so far for Pep Guardiola’s men, this has all the makings of an extremely difficult fixture for City.

The team need to take full advantage of their rest and their recent run of decent form. With rivals Manchester United and Liverpool currently at the top of the table on 33 points after 16 games, City can pull within one point if they win both of their games in hand. Despite the team’s inconsistent start to the season, they have been handed a real opportunity, and need to begin to take advantage at Stamford Bridge.

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Predicted XI: Zack Steffen (GK), João Cancelo (RB), John Stones (CB), Rúben Dias (CB), Benjamin Mendy (LB), Fernandinho (CDM), Rodri (CDM), Kevin De Bruyne (CAM), Riyad Mahrez (RW), Ferran Torres (ST), Raheem Sterling (LW)