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Manchester City are one step away from winning their first-ever UEFA Champions League title, as they prepare to lock horns with Chelsea later today. The Cityzens have been the best team in the world under Pep Guardiola this season and finally managed to reach the final after a series of underwhelming results in Europe over the years.
Having already won the Premier League and the EFL Cup, Manchester City can cap off a truly historic season by getting their hands on club football's biggest honor. However, Guardiola and co have their work cut out for them against a resolute Chelsea team, with Thomas Tuchel looking to spearhead his side to European glory less than six months after replacing Frank Lampard at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea have faced Manchester City twice since Tuchel's arrival and the German has come out on top on both occasions, indicating that the Blues are aware of what it takes to stop the reigning Premier League champions. However, the Cityzens are undoubtedly the most feared side in world football on their day and head into the game as overwhelming favorites.
Manchester City have a large squad, so Guardiola will be spoilt for choice ahead of the UEFA Champions League showdown in Portugal. On that note, here's how the Cityzens can lineup against Chelsea later today.
Manchester City Goalkeeper - Ederson Moraes
Ederson is one of the best ball-playing goalkeepers in world football and has taken his game to new heights under Pep Guardiola. The Brazilian international won his second Premier League Golden Glove earlier this month, while he also played a pivotal role as the Cityzens reclaimed the domestic crown from Liverpool.
Manchester City are known for playing the ball out from the back and Ederson plays a big part in their build-up. The likes of Timo Werner and Christian Pulisic will look to run in behind the City backline, so Ederson will have to ensure he gets his starting position right when he's acting as the sweeper-keeper on the night.
Manchester City Defenders - Kyle Walker, Ruben Dias, John Stones and Oleksandr Zinchenko
Ruben Dias has been one of the signings of the season since his big-money move to the Etihad Stadium, having struck up a fruitful partnership with John Stones. Manchester City's central defenders have both enjoyed stunning seasons and will look to finish on a high by getting their hands on the European Cup.
Kyle Walker will unsurprisingly take his place at right-back and will look to use his experience to lead a relatively young Manchester City backline. At left-back, Joao Cancelo didn't feature against Everton and is unlikely to start the UEFA Champions League final, so Pep Guardiola will have to call upon Oleksandr Zinchenko to complete his defense.
The Ukrainian produced a lively cameo after coming on in the second leg of the semifinals against Paris Saint-Germain and will look to replicate his brilliance against Chelsea later today.
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Manchester City Midfielders - Fernandinho, Ilkay Gundogan, Bernardo Silva
In midfield, we have good reason to believe Fernandinho will get the nod ahead of Rodri. The Brazilian was one of the best players on the pitch in the semifinal and is experienced enough to keep a cool head in the final, indicating that he could well be preferred to the Spaniard.
Ilkay Gundogan is one of the first names on the team sheet and has arguably been Manchester City's best player since the turn of the year. Aside from controlling the tempo of the game from midfield, the German has also scored goals aplenty and is enjoying his best season at the Etihad Stadium.
Bernardo Silva's energy, work rate and trickery in the center of the park have also been a feature of Manchester City's gameplay this season, as the Portuguese superstar continues to sneak under the radar. The former Monaco man is the perfect foil for Fernandinho's tough-tackling and Gundogan's industry, indicating that he will be chosen to complete the midfield trio.
Manchester City Attack - Riyad Mahrez, Kevin De Bruyne, Phil Foden
Unsurprisingly, the trio of Riyad Mahrez, Kevin De Bruyne and Phil Foden will lead the line for Manchester City, as they continue to operate without an out-and-out striker. The likes of Sergio Aguero -- who is set to play his last game for the Cityzens -- and Gabriel Jesus will be on the bench, but Guardiola has preferred to use them as backup options over the course of the season.
De Bruyne has played as the focal point of the Manchester City attack in recent games and seems to be excelling in his new role, while the emergence of Foden has been one of the stories of Manchester City's successful season. Mahrez, on the other hand, has scored several big goals in recent months and will look to cap off another impressive season with a defining contribution against Chelsea.
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