Match Venue and Kick-off Time
On Sunday, an exciting clash awaits as Manchester City hosts Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium in the Premier League. The match is scheduled to kick off at 16:00 West African Standard Time.
Match Preview
Manchester City, already potential champions, will aim to extend their remarkable home winning streak in 2023 to 17 games.
Pep Guardiola’s side has been unstoppable, evident in their dominant display against Real Madrid earlier this week. Their confidence will be sky-high as they take on Chelsea.
Meanwhile, Chelsea is coming off a disappointing draw against Nottingham Forest in their previous outing.
The draw adds to their recent struggles, having won only one of their last 11 matches across all competitions.
Furthermore, the Blues have endured three consecutive defeats in their visits to the Etihad Stadium, including a humiliating 4-0 loss in the FA Cup against City in January.
Pep Guardiola might opt to rotate his squad following their midweek victory, with important fixtures like the FA Cup and Champions League final on the horizon.
Nevertheless, Manchester City boasts a squad of immense depth and quality, making them strong favorites to secure a comfortable win on Sunday.
Team News
Manchester City
Manchester City has concerns regarding Nathan Aké, who is doubtful due to a thigh issue.
Guardiola may rest a few players, considering the upcoming crucial matches and the near-certain acquisition of the league title. Their recent form has been impeccable, winning their last five matches in a row.
The potential starting lineup for Manchester City could feature Ederson in goal, with Stones, Laporte, Dias, and Akanji forming the defensive line.
In midfield, Rodri and Gundogan are expected to anchor the team, while Mahrez, Bruyne, and Foden provide the creative spark behind the striker, Erling Haaland.
Form: W-W-W-W-W
Possible Formation: (4-2-3-1)
Potential Starting XI: Ederson; Stones, Laporte, Dias, Akanji; Rodri, Gundogan; Mahrez, Bruyne, Foden; Haaland.
(Photo Credit: Create Formation)
Chelsea
On the other hand, Chelsea will be dealing with a significant number of absences. Reece James, Mason Mount, Ben Chilwell, and N’Golo Kante are among the confirmed absentees.
The availability of Kalidou Koulibaly and Mateo Kovacic remains uncertain and will be assessed closer to the match.
Goalkeeper Kepa may return to the starting lineup after Mendy’s mistake in the previous game.
Chelsea’s recent form has been underwhelming, with three losses in their last five matches.
However, they possess a talented squad and will be determined to disrupt Manchester City’s winning streak.
The potential starting lineup for Chelsea could see Kepa in goal, with Chalobah, Badiashile, Silva, and Hall forming the defensive line. In midfield, Loftus-Cheek, Fernandez, and Gallagher are expected to feature, while Madueke, Felix, and Sterling lead the attacking line.
Form: L-L-L-W-D
Possible Formation: (4-3-3)
Potential Starting XI: Kepa; Chalobah, Badiashile, Silva, Cucurella; Loftus-Cheek, Fernandez, Gallagher; Madueke, Felix, Sterling.
(Photo Credit: Create Formation)
With both teams aiming for a victory, this clash promises to be an intriguing battle between two top sides.
Manchester City’s dominance at home and Chelsea’s desire to bounce back will create an intense atmosphere at the Etihad Stadium.
Football fans around the world can look forward to an enthralling encounter between these Premier League giants.
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