by Manchester City host Chelsea in a mammoth Premier League encounter on Saturday night – a clash which could have huge ramifications for both teams’ top four prospects.
Pep Guardiola and his players enter the competition having dropped to 25th in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday night, collapsing in the second half against Paris Saint-Germain to lose a 0-2 lead in the 53rd minute and fall to 4. -2 defeat at the final whistle.
Manchester City had largely recovered from their horrific run of inconsistent and losing form in November and December, remaining unbeaten since Boxing Day and recording victories by a significant margin against Salford City in the FA Cup and Ipswich Town in the Premier League.
However, the defeat in the French capital will serve as a significant wake-up call for everyone at the football club, who realize their season is far from out of danger despite an encouraging spell in recent weeks.
The reigning Premier League champions have undergone a mix of updates when it comes to team news as John Stones returned to the fold against PSG, while Jeremy Doku, Nathan Ake and Ruben Dias are all brought to the treatment table after recent injury issues.
Ahead of the team’s confirmed news from the Etihad Stadium on Saturday evening, some early information has started to filter through social media from journalists and sources regarding Manchester City’s starting line-up.
Chelsea striker Joao Felix is not part of Enzo Maresca’s traveling squad for this weekend’s game against Manchester City, as the Portugal international has returned home, according to reports from The Telegraph’s Matt Law. following a family bereavement.
It is further specified that the London club granted Felix compassionate leave, then an absence from Saturday evening’s match at the Etihad Stadium.
Pep Guardiola and Enzo Maresca are expected to confirm their respective starting XIs for Manchester City and Chelsea at around 4:15 p.m. (UK) on Saturday afternoon.
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