How Manchester City could line up against Chelsea

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola could make a few changes to his starting lineup when the Premier League champions meet Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Thursday.

The Catalan coach left a number of big names in reserve as his side lost more ground in the title race against Everton on New Year's Eve - drawing 1-1 versus the Toffees - where Julian Alvarez returned from World Cup duty with Argentina.

Centre-backs Ruben Dias (thigh) and Aymeric Laporte (back) were both absent from that contest, and while the former is expected to remain out for a little while longer, Laporte could potentially be available here.

In any case, John Stones and Manuel Akanji should once again partner up in front of Ederson, although Rico Lewis and Nathan Ake could drop out of the full-back spots for Joao Cancelo and Kyle Walker.

A recall to the engine room should also be in order for Ilkay Gundogan, as Rodri and former Chelsea man Kevin De Bruyne accompany the Germany international.

Alvarez ought to be considered for a starting role here, but Gundogan's likely return could push Bernardo Silva into a wide area, forcing Riyad Mahrez to the bench in the process.

Alvarez, Jack Grealish and Phil Foden could therefore be left to compete for the left-wing spot - a battle that the latter will expect to win - while Erling Braut Haaland seeks Premier League goal number 22.

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

> Click here to see how Chelsea could line up for this clash