Man City predicted lineup vs Chelsea - FA Cup
By Tom Gott
Manchester City will look to pick up a second victory in three days against Chelsea when the two sides square off in the FA Cup third round on Sunday.
Having already eliminated the Blues from the Carabao Cup earlier this season, City eventually flexed their quality to secure a 1-0 win in the Premier League on Thursday as Riyad Mahrez tapped home the winner in an entertaining affair.
The focus now turns to cup action. The Carabao Cup quarter-final against Southampton is right around the corner but, for now, here's how Guardiola could set up against Chelsea.
Man City predicted lineup vs Chelsea
GK: Stefan Ortega - Pep Guardiola likes to turn to his backup goalkeeper in cup games, so expect a rare sighting of Ortega here.
RB: Rico Lewis - Quietly establishing himself as City's first choice, Lewis had a massive impact off the bench last time out against Chelsea and deserves a start in this one.
CB: John Stones - With Ruben Dias and Aymeric Laporte still unfit, Guardiola has limited rotation options but he was probably never going to take Stones out his lineup anyway.
CB: Manuel Akanji - Expect Nathan Ake to drop out of the defence and Akanji to continue his partnership with Stones.
LB: Joao Cancelo - It feels like Cancelo is at a pivotal moment in his career. Struggling at both club and international level, the full-back needs to step his game up very soon.
DM: Kalvin Phillips - Phillips came off the bench late to replace Rodri a few days back so expect the two to switch roles here.
CM: Ilkay Gundogan - There may be some minutes for young Cole Palmer here but Gundogan's elite experience should give him the nod.
CM: Kevin De Bruyne - The Southampton game will give De Bruyne the chance to rest. The Belgian's skills may be needed here, with Chelsea proving to be tricky opposition last time out.
RW: Riyad Mahrez - Off the bench to score the winner, Mahrez did all he could to force his way into the starting lineup.
ST: Julian Alvarez - Erling Haaland struggled when these two sides met, so City might opt to try something different with World Cup star Alvarez.
LW: Jack Grealish - With Phil Foden struggling to impress Guardiola, Grealish took advantage of his opportunity with the crucial assist for Mahrez's winner.