Manchester City will be up against the League leaders Chelsea who will come visiting on Saturday. Chelsea are on a 7-match unbeaten streak and will provide a stiff test for Pep Guardiola and his boys who, despite being in the 3rd spot, have had issues of their own in recent weeks. Whereas Chelsea have looked a transformed side ever since their defeat to Arsenal and Anton Conte is steadily building a winning machine at Stamford Bridge. They have fitted perfectly in the 3-4-3 system and after 6 consecutive convincing victories with clean sheets, showed their ability to eke out a win against Spurs as well.
Pep Guardiola has tried to implement his high-press and innovative methods and while they seemed to be running away in the initial weeks of the season, he will know the players at his disposal aren’t best suited to continue the same way throughout the season. And while he has voiced his disapproval at the way City won their last two matches, stressing that the title can’t be won in that manner, the points City are gathering despite not being in their best form will be invaluable towards the business end.
The weekend action starts with this enticing clash and it will set the pace for another potentially enthralling game week.
PREDICTED MANCHESTER CITY XI VS CHELSEA (4-1-4-1)
DEFENCE
Claudio Bravo will be in goal and he needs to step up his performances and distribution stats big time. He has been found wanting and needs to do better in order to win over the fans and justify his selection. Bacary Sagna might step in at right-back with Zabaleta an alternative. John Stones is likely to slot back into the team at centre-back and will most likely be partnered by Otamendi. Aleks Kolarov will be at left-back.
MIDFIELD
Fernandinho will once again be the central figure in midfield and will sit in front of the defence, breaking up the play and recycling possession. Yaya Toure will be pushing for another start and on current form, he should get in. But with more legs required with greater defensive solidity, there might be a case for Fernando to be included. Gundogan also provides another option. Silva and Kevin De Bruyne offer alternatives.
ATTACK
Sterling picked up a knock but it is widely expected that he will be fit in time for Chelsea. City will need his good form and energy on the right-flank. Nolito and Silva are the possible options on the left-flank Kevin De Bruyne also possibly shifting wide to accommodate the central midfielders. Sergio Aguero will be leading the line.
