After being knocked out of the Champions League Manchester City head to Wembley in order to keep the double hopes alive in a semi final match against Chelsea. The side they have failed to beat twice this season with both ending in a draw. That and overcoming the narrative of Cole Palmer making the move to Stamford Bridge await them.

Will Manchester City keep their head and stay on track…

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Starting Point

Notable Injuries:

• For Manchester City it would appear they have a fully fit squad with John Stones and Nathan Ake back. Some concern remain around Manuel Akanji, Haaland and De Bruyne who all asked to come off against Real Madrid.

• For Chelsea they are without Reece James, Christopher Nkunku, Lesley Ugochukwu, Wesley Fofana and Romeo Lavia. Casadei is cup tied after representing Leicester on loan. Raheem Sterling and Robert Sanchez missed the Monday night game against Everton due to illness. Axel Disasi and Enzo Fernandez also missed that match (unspecified). All will be assessed ahead of kickoff.

Interesting Stats:

• Manchester City and Chelsea have drawn their two games in the Premier League this season (4-4 and 1-1).

• Manchester City are the first team in FA Cup history to have reached the semi-finals in six straight seasons. However, they have only progressed from two of them under Guardiola.

• Raheem Sterling scored in both of the meetings between the two sides in the Premier League this season. A goal in the FA Cup would make him the first Chelsea player to score in three different games against Man City in a single season.

Manchester City vs Chelsea Preview

FA CUP

General Thoughts:

Here is a possible starting eleven for Manchester City against Chelsea and the main point of discussion is who gets a rest. We saw Akanji, Haaland and De Bruyne all ask to be substituted in extra time. Grealish, Bernardo, Foden and Rodri all picked up a rest against Luton Town so will they be needing one against Chelsea?

If we go back to last season, City played away to Bayern Munich then three days later in the FA Cup against Sheffield United. The difference being City went through and had to travel back from Germany. This time around I don’t think the rotation will be as heavy. Dias, Stones, Rodri, De Bruyne and Ederson all got a rest in the Sheffield United game.

Nathan Ake to come in for Gvardiol after spending the past two games on the bench, if fit then I’d give him the start. Rico Lewis and Oscar Bobb are two names in contention but depends how comfortable you are with those two handling the Chelsea RHS (Chilwell/Sterling).

Jeremy Doku had an excellent twenty minutes against Madrid in the second half, pushing on further in extra time to create more chances. I’d give him the start against Chelsea. What impressed me the most in that game was the variety of options he had. Taking on his full back 1v1, threading a pass inside and taking shots through players. Strong and flexible under pressure, not losing the ball.

Ortega in for Ederson as he takes all the cup games. Julian Alvarez in for Erling Haaland is possible depending on his condition after the game in Madrid. De Bruyne playing instead of Foden the same.

Given that City were knocked out of the Champions League I think that really does change the selection for this match. They’ll want to win it more than ever and if they are fit, Guardiola will pick as strong lineup as he can. It’s vital the players he does put out are sharp otherwise Chelsea will take advantage.

Opposition Setup:

Chelsea have fielded Connor Gallagher in midfield against Manchester City both times they’ve played, positioning higher up to press high OOP. Both times having success winning the ball and forcing City players to be rushed in the middle of the pitch. If Enzo is fit then that’s the midfield I’d expect to see.

Although the recent and excellent form of Cole Palmer has come with him playing down the middle rather than at right wing. Decision for Potch to weigh up.

The back line is depleted from previous games due to injuries and will be one City should feel confident about exploiting. The right hand side of Gusto will bring a a test to City who struggled to handle it in the game at the Etihad. Alvarez and Ake were on that side during the game and were caught out when pressing. Either Doku or Grealish at LW this time around should handle that better.

Chelsea are not a team with brilliant patterns of play, consistent patterns in their buildup and attack. They are filled with talented young players, all with the energy and skill to exploit you on their day. Palmer has a free role from defending OOP to do just that. If Manchester City are tired after the midweek game and sloppy in possession then Chelsea will have success on Saturday.

Ones to Watch: 

• Manchester City: Jeremy Doku

• Chelsea: Connor Gallagher

Predicted Lineup: Ortega, Walker, Dias, Stones, Ake, Rodri, Kovacic, Foden, Doku, Grealish, Alvarez

Predicted Score: Manchester City 2 - 1 Chelsea

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