Pep Guardiola may be without some of his top players come Saturday’s Emirate FA Cup semi-final clash. Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne were absent from our Man City predicted line-up as the duo could potentially be sidelined due to fitness concerns.
For the second consecutive season, Manchester City will travel to Wembley Stadium to compete in the cup tournament’s semi-finals. In the previous campaign, The Citizens emerged winners with a 3-0 victory over Sheffield United at this very stage before ultimately won the title against Manchester United during their most exceptional treble season.
In order to retain their title, Pep Guardiola’s men must overcome the formidable Blues and pave the way for a prospective final showdown against either Manchester United or Coventry Town. However, this feat will have to be accomplished without several of their most top players.
Kevin De Bruyne, Erling Haaland Sustained Minor Injuries
Pep Guardiola claimed that he was compelled to substitute the Norwegian forward and Belgian midfielder during the midweek fixture versus Real Madrid. The City manager said that both players expressed fatigue and minor injury concerns.
Speaking ahead of the FA Cup clash, Pep said they will have to assess both players fitness to determine if they will take part in Saturday’s match.
“Kevin [De Bruyne] seems well,” Guardiola said[via The Standard]. “Erling [Haaland] felt something, a muscular issue. Kevin felt exhausted, so tired, after five months out injured, so that’s normal.
“We’ll see more tomorrow. [Haaland] A little bit niggles, a little bit problems, we will see his evolution in the next hours.”
Man City Predicted Line-up against Chelsea on Saturday
Pep Guardiola may opt to rotate the Manchester City squad in their match against Chelsea, affording some players who endured a difficult 120-minute fixture versus Real Madrid midweek an opportunity to rest.
GK – Stefan Ortega
Ortega is expected to be reinstated in the starting lineup following his exclusion on Wednesday, in favor of Ederson who had just recovered from injury.
The City second choice goalkeeper demonstrated exceptional skill and talent in the Brazilian’s absence. He made crucial saves upon his substitution for Ederson during the match against Liverpool in March, and consistently delivered remarkable performances to keep City in contention for the league title.
Ortega is the first-choice goalkeeper when it comes to FA and the League Cup competitions, therefore, he is expected to keep his place against Chelsea.
DEFENCE – Rico Lewis, John Stones, Ruben Dias, Nathan Ake
Pep Guardiola will likely start with the back four of Rico Lewis, John Stones, Ruben Dias, and Nathan Ake. The City boss will likely rest Manuel Akanji who came off against Real Madrid due to fatigue.
The Switzerland international played crucial role in Manchester City last fixtures. He, however, complained of tiredness against Real Madrid. Therefore, he might be on the bench on Saturday. Also, Kyle Walker who recently returned from injury might be given a rest.
MIDFIELD – Rodri, Mateo Kovacic, Matheus Nunes
Pep Guardiola may go with Rodri, Kovacic, and Nunes at the heart of City midfield. The match may be too important for the City boss to rest Rodri who has become arguably the most important player in his squad.
However, Foden and Bernardo Silva who played the complete 120 minutes may get a deserving rest which means that Kovacic and Nunes could take their places at the middle.
FORWARD – Jeremy Doku, Oscar Bobb, Julian Alvarez.
With the possible absence of Erling Haaland, Julian Alvarez is expected to lead the forward line and to be supported by Jeremy Doku and Oscar Bobb in the right and left-wing respective.
Doku is expected to start ahead of Jack Grealish considering his impact when the came on in the midweek and his man of the match performance against Luton Town last weekend.