Predicted Manchester City Lineup vs Chelsea – Premier League

Manchester City kick off their Premier League title defense on Sunday afternoon with a trip to Stamford Bridge to take on Chelsea.

“After a 4-4 draw in this fixture last season, Manchester City, known for their slow starts, will look to capitalize on a Chelsea team still in the early stages of development. City’s 4-2 victory over Chelsea in pre-season, highlighted by an Erling Haaland hat-trick, makes them strong favorites as they head to the capital.

Here’s how Manchester City could line up at Stamford Bridge:

**Man City Predicted Lineup vs Chelsea (4-2-3-1)**

**GK: Ederson** – After missing the end of last season and the Copa America, Ederson is back in goal for City. Although Stefan Ortega is a capable backup, Ederson remains irreplaceable and stays committed to Manchester despite interest from Saudi clubs.

**RB: Rico Lewis** – With Kyle Walker only rejoining the squad on Monday alongside his England teammates, Lewis is likely to start again. The young defender has shown his ability in big games and impressed in the Community Shield.

**CB: Ruben Dias** – Dias is City’s most reliable center-back, and with John Stones returning late, he’s a sure starter. He’ll likely face a tough test against the clever movement of Christopher Nkunku.

**CB: Manuel Akanji** – After scoring the decisive penalty in the Community Shield against Manchester United, Akanji will be in a season-long battle with Nathan Ake for a starting role.

**LB: Josko Gvardiol** – Despite not having a natural senior left-back, City can rely on Gvardiol’s excellent form. The Croatian scored three goals in his final five Premier League games last season, proving to be a surprising threat going forward.

**DM: Kevin De Bruyne** – With Rodri not fully fit, De Bruyne may be deployed in a deeper role on Sunday. While not a typical defensive midfielder, his responsibilities will likely include more defensive duties unless Guardiola opts to start young Nico O’Reilly.

**DM: Mateo Kovacic** – Facing his former club, Kovacic could play as the deepest midfielder for City. Although this role doesn’t fully suit the 30-year-old, he’s capable of filling in while Rodri recovers.

**RW: Bernardo Silva** – After scoring City’s 89th-minute equalizer in the Community Shield but missing his penalty in the shootout, Silva is expected to start, especially with Bobb’s injury.

**AM: James McAtee** – The young midfielder, who impressed on loan at Sheffield United last season, has continued to shine in pre-season and the Community Shield. Guardiola has praised his potential, suggesting McAtee will feature regularly this season.

**LW: Jeremy Doku** – Grealish’s injury opens up a spot for Doku, whose direct running and blistering pace should trouble Chelsea’s defense, particularly Malo Gusto.