Man City vs Chelsea predicted line-ups and team news: Guardiola makes decision over new transfers as Sancho returns

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Manchester City and Chelsea are both dealing with a number of injury doubts ahead of their blockbuster showdown this Saturday.

The English giants met on the opening weekend of the Premier League season, with Pep Guardiola‘s men seemingly putting down a marker with a 2-0 win.

Maresca worked as an assistant to Guardiola at City
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However, since then, the defending champions have spent much of the season trailing Enzo Maresca‘s Blues.

City’s campaign hit a new low in midweek after throwing away a two-goal lead in their 4-2 Champions League loss to Paris Saint-Germain.

The club have been the most active in the January transfer window to correct their faltering form, with a £125million outlay on Omar Marmoush, Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis.

City will also be buoyed by their impressive form over Chelsea, going unbeaten in their last seven Premier League meetings.

The west Londoners know another defeat will see them forfeit their hold on fourth spot and will be desperate to snap their horror run.

Man City

Guardiola has a decision to make over whether any of his three new signings could come straight in for their Premier League debuts.

Given the magnitude of the game, it’s unlikely Khusanov or Reis will be thrown straight into the makeshift City backline.

High-profile attacking arrival Marmoush only completed his move on Thursday so instead will have to make do with a spot on the bench.

Guardiola has not deployed a strike partnership since Julian Alvarez operated behind Erling Haaland at the start of last season.

Now-Atletico Madrid star Alvarez had been deputising for the injured Kevin De Bruyne – where Marmoush will also be pushing to feature.

Marmoush has been one of Europe’s best players this season
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Belgian De Bruyne was once again unable to complete 90 minutes in midweek but will be fit enough to start against his former club.

Marmoush has occasionally featured on the wings as well, but Phil Foden‘s recent return to form has cemented his spot on the right.

Savinho – who made his Premier League debut in the 2-0 win over Chelsea in August – is leading the race to continue on the left.

Jack Grealish may consider himself unlucky not to be included having ended his lengthy wait for a goal from open play against PSG.

Further back, Ederson looks to have regained Guardiola’s confidence in goal having started the past two matches ahead of Stefan Ortega.

The club’s No.1 will be protected by a four-man defence of Matheus Nunes, Manuel Akanji, Josko Gvardiol, and the returning John Stones.

Ruben Dias is a doubt after being forced off at half-time in Paris, but should he be fit to start, Akanji could displace Gvardiol on the left.

Guardiola’s final selection choice will be over his double pivot in midfield where Rodri‘s absence continues to prove an issue.

Mateo Kovacic had a night to forget in the Champions League but his mobility will be needed to mitigate Chelsea’s engine room.

Guardiola will wait to thrust his new signings into the limelight

Chelsea

The visitors also have injury worries to contend with, after midfield duo Enzo Fernandez and Romeo Lavia missed the 3-1 win over Wolves.

“The Romeo [injury] is more important than the Enzo one,” Maresca said.

“We don't know yet how long they are going to be out. Hopefully not too long.”

Should Fernandez miss out again then Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall could continue to partner Moises Caicedo.

Returning Blues captain Reece James is fit to start at right-back, with fellow academy graduate Trevoh Chalobah impressing on his return.

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca still wants to see more from Madueke
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The latter registered an assist during his first match back at his boyhood club following the early end of his Crystal Palace loan.

Levi Colwill is still nursing a knock, which opens the door for Chalobah to join goalscorer Tosin Adarabioyo at the heart of the defence.

Cole Palmer managed 84 minutes against Wolves despite being a fitness doubt beforehand so will feature on his return to the Etihad.

Noni Madeuke will hope finding the net will be enough for him to retain his spot on the right wing.

However, the same can’t be said for Pedro Neto, who will likely have to make do with dropping to the bench in favour of Jadon Sancho.

Chelsea face a tough test away to the Premier League champions

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