Manchester City host Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea this evening in a game that could prove pivotal in the race for Champions League football.
The Cityzens will be looking to bounce back after they squandered a two goal advantage away to PSG in the Uefa Champions League to eventually lose 4-2 in the French capital.
Pep Guardiola has confirmed that all three of their January signings will be available this weekend. The club bolstered their ranks with the capture of defenders Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis whilst also securing the services of Egyptian forward Omar Marmoush from Frankfurt.
However, Ruben Dias has suffered an adductor issue with the extent of the injury and timeline for recovery currently unknown. Kyle Walker’s move to AC Milan was announced on Friday with the Englishman’s deal being an initial loan with an option to buy.
Chelsea had the week off after already securing their place in the knockout stages of the Uefa Europa Conference League.
Levi Colwill and Enzo Fernandez will be assessed after they missed Monday’s match while Romeo Lavia is ruled out. Cole Palmer should be fit enough to play against his former club despite struggling in their last outing against Wolves.
Manchester City vs Chelsea – Match Preview and team news
Form
Manchester City: WWDWL
Manchester City imploded in the Champions League once again on Wednesday night, this time to Paris Saint-Germain.
Pep Guardiola’s side raced into a two-goal lead just after half-time with Jack Grealish and Erling Haaland netting past Gianluigi Donnarumma.
But the momentum completely shifted at the Parc des Princes after Ousmane Dembele halved the deficit just a few minutes later. Bradley Barcola levelled matters on the hour mark before Joao Neves completed a stunning turnaround. Goncalo Ramos struck in added time to put the game on ice.
A third defeat in Europe leaves City in a precarious position heading into their final game against Club Brugge on Wednesday. The Manchester club must win to avoid a premature exit.
Domestically, Manchester City look back to their best after a 6-0 hammering of Ipswich Town last weekend. They are unbeaten in their last five league games and have averaged three goals per game in that period.