Pep Guardiola will be forced into at least one change this weekend when Manchester City take on Chelsea in the Premier League.
Jack Grealish picked up a groin injury in the midweek Champions League win over Copenhagen meaning he will not be available this weekend. Guardiola also confirmed that Bernardo Silva will be assessed before the Chelsea encounter after he was on the receiving end of a strong challenge in the latter stages of the 3-1 win in Denmark.
It means City could be forced into changes in the wide areas, with Phil Foden and Jeremy Doku the main options to start, while John Stones could be a candidate to drop out given he’s played the last two and is still working his way back to full fitness.
With City also in the midst of a busy run of games - six in 18 days - Guardiola might look to rotate his side on Saturday, and the Catalan admitted last week that he is wary of the intense schedule.
Another factor in the team selection could be counteracting Chelsea’s attacking threat, which Guardiola described as ‘outstanding’ during Friday’s pre-match press conference. Mauricio Pochettino’s side certainly caused City real issues when the sides met in November, with Chelsea earning a point in a pulsating 4-4 draw.
That result ended a run of six straight defeats against City, and with Chelsea sitting 10th in the table there’s a constant sense of uncertainty in terms of the London club’s performance levels.
With all this in mind, here’s how we think City will line up in Saturday’s game...
1. GK: Ederson
Kept a rare clean sheet in last week's win over Everton.
2. RB: Kyle Walker
Has been in and out of the side of late, but is expected to start at right-back on Saturday.
3. CB: Manuel Akanji
If Stones drops out, City's Swiss defender could come in and play at the heart of defence. Akanji scored in the reverse fixture at Stamford Bridge.
4. CB: Ruben Dias
Gave away a late penalty at when the sides met in November but has been back to his best form in recent weeks.