Premier League 2022-2023: Chelsea vs Manchester City: Predicted lineup, injury news, head-to-head

The Blues host the English champions at Stamford Bridge on Thursday.

Last time out, Graham Potter's team accepted a point in a 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest, while the visitors were held to a two-goal tie by Everton. Chelsea and Manchester City face off in the Premier League on Thursday night at Stamford Bridge, the first of two consecutive meetings between the two teams before they play again in the FA Cup on Sunday.

Graham Potter coached his team to a dismal 0-0 tie against Nottingham Forest on New Year's Day; many ailments contributed significantly to their lackluster performance before and after the World Cup break. The Blues are currently struggling and face a daunting opponent in the defending champs. Through 16 games, Arsenal has looked like the clear leader, but City has been competitive despite dropping points at home against Everton in their most recent match. At midnight on December 31st, Erling Haaland scored his 21st league goal of the season, setting his sights on an exciting matchup with Thiago Silva.

Kick-off: 1:30 AM (IST), 8:00pm (GMT)

Chelsea form (all competitions): -L-L-L-L-W-D

Manchester City form (all competitions): W-L-W-W-W-D

Team News

Chelsea's medical staff is still working around the clock on long-term absentees N'Golo Kante and Armando Broja, who Reece James has recently joined with his newest knee ailment, which might keep him out for up to a month.

Wesley Fofana is also unlikely to make the squad, although there is hope for Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who has returned to training after a calf injury, and Ben Chilwell, who may have to wait until the trip to Fulham next week. Meanwhile, Edouard Mendy's shoulder problem remains unresolved.

Mateo Kovacic should be recalled to the midfield, where he might replace Jorginho rather than the rising Denis Zakaria. At the same time, Christian Pulisic can be certain to keep his spot on the left wing.

On the other hand, the Etihad treatment room is down to just two players: Aymeric Laporte (back) and Ruben Dias (hamstring), although the former's problem is not likely to keep him out for long.

Argentine World Cup hero Julian Alvarez came off the bench against Everton and should be one of several players in contention for recalls to the starting XI, along with Kyle Walker, Joao Cancelo, Phil Foden, and Ilkay Gundogan, with Guardiola deferring changes until the 87th minute of Saturday's game.

Only a few days after claiming that Kalvin Phillips was overweight when he returned from the World Cup, Guardiola made a stunning U-turn and praised the England midfielder's physique as he returned to the Etihad bench, but his "perfect body," as Guardiola dubbed it, should not be enough to earn him a start.

Chelsea vs Man City: Head-to-head record

Played -172Chelsea -71Drawn- 40Manchester City- 61

Read Full head to head record here: Chelsea vs Manchester City: Head-to-Head record

Players to Watch

Christen Pulisic

American Men's National Team winger Christian Pulisic helped Raheem Sterling and Kai Havertz perform well against Bournemouth, but he struggled against Nottingham. We believe he will bounce back against Manchester City. Graham Potter is developing Chelsea's star players.

Kevin De Bruyne

It's undeniable who Manchester City's beating heart is—someone who can expose any team's weaknesses with a single ball. He is one of the finest midfielders in the Premier League; his intellect is impeccable, and the standard he has set for himself is enormous.

Predicted Lineups

Chelsea predicted starting lineup:Kepa; Azpilicueta, Silva, Koulibaly, Cucurella; Kovacic, Zakaria; Sterling, Mount, Pulisic; Aubameyang

Manchester City predicted starting lineup:Ederson; Walker, Stones, Akanji, Cancelo; Gundogan, Rodri, De Bruyne; Silva, Haaland, Foden

Match Prediction

Although neither Potter nor Guardiola will make too much of City's two-goal EFL Cup victory against Chelsea in November, it would not be a complete surprise to witness a similar result this week.

With Walker and Cancelo's potential reintroduction and the City Ground largely lacking in attacking inspiration, Chelsea now prepares to face a Guardiola backline. The reorganized champions should return to winning ways to remind Arsenal of their lingering presence.

Prediction: Chelsea 0-2 Manchester City