Manchester City vs Chelsea – Team news and Predicted Lineups

Defending champions Manchester City take on Chelsea in a high octane clash on Sunday at the Etihad Stadium. Manchester City currently lead the Premier League standings, albeit on goal difference and have played a match more than second-placed Liverpool.

While Chelsea, on the other hand, have faded away after a promising start to the 2018-19 season. They are placed at the fourth position on the table, two points ahead of Manchester United. When the two teams met in December at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea cruised to a 2-0 victory thanks to goals from N’Golo Kante and David Luiz.

Team News

Manchester City

Benjamin Mendy could return after a long term injury lay off

Pep Guardiola omitted Kevin De Bruyne and Raheem Sterling from the starting line up in the midweek match against Everton to keep them fresh for the game against Chelsea. There were no fresh injury concerns for City after the Everton game. Benjamin Mendy suffered a setback upon his return from a long-term knee injury against Burton Albion last month.

The left-back has missed the last four games but is in contention to feature against Chelsea. Vincent Kompany won’t be able to make the squad as he hasn’t recovered from the injury sustained against Liverpool on 3rd January.

Chelsea

Ross Barkley should start again ahead of Ruben Loftus Cheek

After suffering a disastrous 4-0 defeat to Bournemouth, Sarri made four changes for the clash with Huddersfield. Antonio Rudiger who was on the bench against Huddersfield could displace Andreas Christensen from the starting line up. The rest of the team is expected to remain the same.

Ruben Loftus Cheek hasn’t yet fully recovered from his back problem and should start this game also from the bench. New signing Gonzalo Higuain was impressive against Huddersfield last weekend and should lead the line at the Etihad as well.