Chelsea vs. Manchester City: Predicted Line-up for crucial game

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MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 31: Phil Foden and Kalvin Phillips of Manchester City ahead of the Premier League match between Manchester City and Everton FC at Etihad Stadium on December 31, 2022 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Joe Prior/Visionhaus via Getty Images) /

Ederson

The man between the sticks will be looking for an inspired performance from himself and the back four as he looks for his seventh clean sheet of the season. Nailed on starter.

Kyle Walker

Seemingly this is a must-win and Walker’s inclusion is a must too. Rico Lewis has had his share of games, and impressed, but it is unlikely he will be put into the pressure cooker for this fixture.

John Stones
Important in the City XI should Dias and Laporte miss out again with their respective hamstring and back injuries. Was unlucky with his header that struck the post against Everton.

Nathan Ake
The Dutch defender has been positioned at left-back for the previous run of games but it is time for Joao Cancelo to return to take his spot. Ake is preferred at centre back over Akanji.

Joao Cancelo
The Portuguese star has been found on the bench since the World Cup return and Guardiola is likely to have alluded to Cancelo as one of the players with poor body language in training.

Must take his place to take advantage of Chelsea’s weaker full-back areas.

Rodri
Had a very good game against Everton despite giving the ball away for the goal and missing a good final chance. His ball-winning ability will keep the ‘sexy body’ of Phillips on the bench.

Kevin De Bruyne
If he is fit then he plays in a game like this. Hoping for another masterclass.

Ilkay Gundogan
Bernardo Silva took his place against Everton and the German’s creative presence was missed.

Riyad Mahrez
Set up Haaland’s goal and looked dangerous in stages and justified his inclusion to continue in this big game.

Erling Haaland
As much as we have a World Cup-winning striker, you just can’t drop this man. Scoring machine!
Enjoyed his passion to win the ball back and the tackle more than his quiet presence in the second half.

Phil Foden
Many people are calling for this man to be brought back and now is the time, Pep. Another player who faced the hint of poor body language by Pep but City fans would love to see him on the teamsheet tomorrow.

Grealish has had his chances.

Next. Fixtures to look forward to in January. dark

If we get three points and knock Chelsea out of another competition then we can call that a successful week.