Premier League leaders Manchester City will seek to edge closer to the English crown when they host Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Pep Guardiola’s side continued from their League Cup final triumph over Arsenal with a league win over the same opponents on Thursday night, and they are now a minimum of five victories away from claiming a third Premier League title.
Formation: 4-3-3
Lineup:
Ederson had a jittery moment where Vincent Kompany nearly scored an own-goal in midweek, but he managed to keep his composure thereafter to make a couple of neat saves. He is expected to start in goal.
At right-back, Kyle Walker is supposedly carrying a minor knock, but the Englishman will no doubt push himself to feature against the Blues. We are fancying the ex-Spurs man to start at right-back with Danilo maintaining his position in the opposite direction.
Club-captain Vincent Kompany has managed to go unscathed for two successive games following his recent injury comeback, but asking him to feature for a third game in eight days could pose a risk.
Hence, John Stones could potentially get the nod to start alongside Argentine centre-back Nicolas Otamendi, who has missed just one of the Citizens’ Premier League games this campaign – that too through suspension.
In midfield, Fernandinho remains unavailable due to a hamstring problem sustained versus Arsenal in the League Cup (physioroom), and this may see Kevin de Bruyne restricted to a role in the centre of the park.
Alongside the Belgian, David Silva and Ilkay Gundogan are likely to start in a three-man central midfield with Yaya Toure more or less an utility player under the tutelage of Guardiola this season.
Upfront, Leroy Sane looks a strong contender to start after impressing with a goal and assist versus Arsenal on Thursday, The German is likely to start in his preferred position on the left side of the attack with Bernardo Silva on the right, whilst Sergio Aguero will definitely get another chance to score his 200th club goal, leading the front-line.
Predicted Lineup (4-3-3): Ederson, Kyle Walker, John Stones, Nicolas Otamendi, Danilo, Kevin de Bruyne, David Silva, Ilkay Gundogan, Bernardo Silva, Leroy Sane, Sergio Aguero
4-3-3: Predicted Manchester City lineup vs Chelsea, Sane and Aguero start
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