The Premier League returns with a mouthwatering contest this weekend as Manchester City, the reigning champions, take on Chelsea in a highly anticipated clash at the Etihad Stadium.
Both teams come into the match with contrasting fortunes, making it a fixture teeming with intrigue.
While the Citizens endeavor to chase down Liverpool at the summit, their West London counterparts are seeking to boost their hopes of securing a top-seven finish.
Match Preview
Pep Guardiola’s men are on a roll, boasting a 10-game winning streak across all competitions. Their attacking prowess has been on full display, scoring a staggering 29 goals in that span. With key players like Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland back in the fold, City look unstoppable.
The Blues have had a turbulent season under new manager Mauricio Pochettino. While they possess attacking talent with the likes of Mason Mount and Kai Havertz, their defensive frailties have been exposed, conceding nine goals in their last three defeats. A spirited comeback against Crystal Palace last time out provided a glimmer of hope, but consistency remains elusive.
Kick Off Time
The match is scheduled to kick off by 5:30 pm (GMT+1) on Saturday and will mark the 54th meeting these two sides in the top flight since 1992.
Team News
Man City defender Josko Gvardiol is sidelined for two to three weeks with an ankle ligament injury, while Jack Grealish (muscle), Bernardo Silva (ankle), Mateo Kovacic (knee) and Sergio Gomez will all be assessed ahead of kickoff on Saturday.
With Nathan Ake set to continue at left-back in the absence of Gvardiol, Ruben Dias could be joined at center-back by either John Stones or Manuel Akanji, who could also be tasked with drifting into midfield to partner Rodri.
With Jack Grealish a doubt for this contest, Jeremy Doku and Foden are set to battle for a spot on the left wing, while Julian Alvarez will bid to return to the starting lineup after being rested in midweek, although he could face competition from De Bruyne and Bernardo.
In contrast, the Blues are sweating over the fitness of Thiago Silva who was forced off with a groin injury last weekend; Levi Colwill is in contention to return to the starting XI, partnering Axel Disasi at the heart of the defense.
Benoit Badiashile is also nursing a groin problem and is facing a month on the sidelines, while Wesley Fofana, Robert Sanchez (both knee), Marc Cucurella (ankle), Reece James, Romeo Lavia and Lesley Ugochukwu (all hamstring) are also in the treatment room.
Pochettino has used Cole Palmer as a false nine in recent weeks, but that decision has proven unfruitful and the Argentine could instead move the youngster back over to the right flank, allowing either Nicolas Jackson or Christopher Nkunku to lead the line.
