How Manchester City could line up against Chelsea

Manchester City will be without Jack Grealish and Josko Gvardiol for Saturday's Premier League showdown with Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium.

Grealish was forced off in the first half of the Citizens' 3-1 win at Copenhagen in the Champions League on Tuesday with a groin injury, and Guardiola has confirmed that the attacker will not be fit to feature this weekend.

Grealish is believed to be facing two to three weeks on the sidelines along with teammate Gvardiol, who is nursing an ankle ligament injury sustained prior to City's midweek win in Denmark.

Guardiola has revealed that Bernardo Silva, who picked up a "big knock" to his ankle against Copenhagen, will be assessed in training on Friday, while former Chelsea man Mateo Kovacic and Sergio Gomez will return to training and are in contention to play on Saturday.

The absence of Gvardiol is set to see Nathan Ake, another ex-Chelsea man, operate on the left side of a back four, as captain Kyle Walker most likely continues at right-back. Ruben Dias, meanwhile, could be joined in central defence by one of John Stones or Manuel Akanji, and either of the latter two may also be tasked to drift into midfield to partner Rodri.

Guardiola has a few attacking options who could replace Grealish on the left flank; Jeremy Doku started against Chelsea in a thrilling 4-4 draw at Stamford Bridge three months ago and could be recalled on Saturday, but the Belgian winger is set to be rivalled by Phil Foden for a starting berth.

Kevin De Bruyne, who scored in midweek along with Foden and Bernardo, is expected to retain his place in the final third, while Julian Alvarez was rested against Copenhagen and will be pushing to start in behind central striker Erling Haaland, who netted twice against Chelsea earlier this season.

Manchester City possible starting lineup: Ederson; Walker, Dias, Ake; Stones, Rodri; Bernardo, De Bruyne, Alvarez, Foden; Haaland

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