Man City vs Chelsea team news and expected line-ups: Guardiola to miss key trio due to injury as Palmer given new role
Manchester City and Chelsea are dealing with a number of injury concerns ahead of Saturday's blockbuster showdown.
He The citizens and Blues They are at opposite ends of the Premier League top ten, but Played out an exciting 4-4 draw in November.
pep guardiola He has recently had a clean bill of health to deal with after welcoming back the star duo. Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne.
That has coincided with a run of 11 consecutive wins in all competitions that has left City just two points behind the Premier League leaders. Liverpool with a game in hand.
However, City were left to rue the cost of a routine 3-1 Champions League away victory over Copenhagen. Several key players were forced to retire due to injuries.
The news will be a welcome boost for Chelsea, who moved back into tenth after a dramatic late 3-1 comeback win over crystal Palace on Monday.
Mauricio Pochettino He has already been juggling an extensive injury crisis at Stamford Bridge ahead of next weekend's game. Carabao Cup Final.
city man
Guardiola is already left without a trio Josko Gvardiol, Matthew Kovacic and Sergio Gómez for the midweek trip to Denmark.
Gvardiol has since been ruled out for a few weeks with an ankle problem, while Gomez was unlikely to play a role against Chelsea anyway.
Former Blues midfielder Kovacic is expected to return to training this week but the match may be too close for him to start.
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Following Juan PiedrasOn his return, Guardiola has a fairly established backline with the England defender accompanying Rubén Dias along with his Three Lions teammate. Kyle Walker in front of Ederson.
In Gvardiol's absence, Manuel Akanji or another former Chelsea player, Nathan Ake, will play at left back, but it was the former who was rested in midweek.
Julian Alvarez was another unused substitute against Copenhagen and is in line to be recalled if Guardiola reverts to a 4-1-4-1 formation.
Rodri and De Bruyne are irreplaceable in midfield, while Phil Foden has made the right wing his own following his recent form with Erling Haaland at the helm.
Both Jack Grealish and Bernard Silva suffered injuries at Parken, and City were anxiously awaiting the results of their assessment.
Grealish lasted just 21 minutes in his first City start since January 7 and will not receive another game immediately, even if he recovers from a long-term groin problem.
The England star was replaced by Jeremy Doku, who should retain his place on the left wing pending the results of Silva's ankle injury.
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Chelsea
The Blues made just one change in their win over Palace. Thiago Silva wine for Benoit Badiashile.
This last one is already facing a spell on the sidelines after suffering a groin injury against Aston Villa.
However, now Chelsea are also left without the veteran Silva lasted less than an hour of the contest at Selhurst Park due to a groin problem.
Levi Colwill, who has struggled this season playing an unorthodox left-back role in Ben ChilwellAfter his absence, he will now have the opportunity to claim his favorite position alongside Axel Disasi.
Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sánchez and the club captain. James Reece Both remain injured, with Djordje Petrovic keeping his place between the sticks and Bad Taste substitute on the right side.
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In the midfield, Conor GallagherEnzo Fernández and Moisés Caicedo have established themselves as Pochettino's favorite trio.
However, the Argentine coach will have to readjust his attack as his team did not have a single shot until first-half stoppage time against Palace, despite having most of the possession.
Noni Madueke He made the mistake that led to the Eagles' first goal, was substituted at half-time and will now likely be benched.
Cole Palmerwho struggled up front, picked up two assists when he returned to his favorite position on the right wing in the second half.
Palmer will now offer Christopher Nkunku an option as the Frenchman finally looks to start his career at Chelsea after several injuries, with Nicholas Jackson support.
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Man City-Chelsea: bet with talkSPORT BET
Match odds:
City man – 3/10
Draw – 4/17
Chelsea – 15/2
*odds correct as of 02/14/23
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