Man City predicted XI vs Chelsea: Six changes for FA Cup third-round clash

Pep Guardiola might opt to make several changes for Manchester City’s FA Cup clash with Chelsea on Sunday.

The two teams met just four days prior, with the Premier League champions coming away from Stamford Bridge with a 1-0 win thanks to a second-half goal from Riyad Mahrez. City will be hoping for a similar outcome at the weekend, although they’ll also be aiming for an improved performance following a poor showing in the league contest.

Depending on City’s success in the cup competitions, they could play up to nine matches this month, so rotation will be key for Guardiola. However, the Catalan is expected to rest more players for Wednesday’s trip to Southampton in the Carabao Cup.

The City boss will also be aware of the huge game next weekend when the Blues make the short journey to Old Trafford to face Manchester United, and Guardiola will want his players in tip-top shape for the derby. There are also two injury problems heading into the game, with Aymeric Laporte and Ruben Dias likely to miss out through injury.

City played with an unorthodox system at Stamford Bridge that saw Joao Cancelo push up on the right flank and Rodri drop into the back four out of possession, but given Guardiola abandoned that plan at half-time, he’s unlikely to deploy a similar style at the Etihad on Sunday.

Julian Alvarez is an option to come in and start his first game since the World Cup, while back-up goalkeeper Stefan Ortega Moreno might be handed a rare start. Here’s how we think City will line-up…

5. LB: Joao Cancelo

Guardiola may opt to leave Cancelo and Walker out again as did in the two matches prior to Thursday’s encounter, but we’re tipping him to play with a more orthodox back four with two natural full-backs.

6. CM: Rodri

Wednesday’s clash with Southampton represents a more likely opportunity for Kalvin Phillips to start, so Guardiola is expected to deploy Rodri again at the base of midfield.