Manchester City could make changes for their second clash with Chelsea in four days, this time in the FA Cup.
City fielded a strong side at Stamford Bridge on Thursday, securing a 1-0 win to keep the pressure on Premier League leaders Arsenal. Now, they welcome Chelsea back to the Etihad for the FA Cup third-round clash, looking for a third win against Graham Potter's side in the space of seven games.
Pep Guardiola could call upon Aymeric Laporte after two games out with injury but Ruben Dias remains out with a hamstring injury. Fringe players like Julian Alvarez, Cole Palmer, Sergio Gomez and Kalvin Phillips will hope to feature over the Chelsea game and the following Carabao Cup trip to Southampton.
Joao Cancelo and Kyle Walker, both replaced at halftime on Thursday, could play again to improve their fitness, as might Phil Foden.
ALSO READ: Man City step up plan for Kalvin Phillips after Rodri concern at Chelsea
Read how our writers think City should line up against Chelsea below and then use the interactive team selector to pick your best starting XI:
Simon Bajkowski
Rodri looked knackered in midweek and was forced off with cramp so now is surely the time for Kalvin Phillips to showcase his new slimline figure.
It also feels like Phil Foden and Julian Alvarez are most in need of minutes to get all of the forwards into a good rhythm, with Riyad Mahrez and Jack Grealish having played more of late. Cole Palmer would rather play in his natural wide position, and the inclusion of Alvarez will allow that with Ilkay Gundogan slotting alongside Phillips to provide some power from the middle.
Rico Lewis has been a revelation but Joao Cancelo and Kyle Walker are both in need of minutes. Manu Akanji and Nathan Ake can give John Stones a rest, while Stefan Ortega should come in as the cup goalkeeper.
Erling Haaland may not start both of these cup games, but if he is to play in one of them this feels more important than Southampton.
Pick your best team here:
Joe Bray
City played a 'weaker' side in the Carabao Cup against Chelsea before Christmas and still managed to win comfortably, and they can do the same again - especially with all of Chelsea's mounting injury issues. Joao Cancelo and Kyle Walker looked rusty at Stamford Bridge, so this should be a chance for them to improve on their first-half showings on Thursday.
Aymeric Laporte may be back, but shouldn't be risked, so this should be a chance to play Nathan Ake back in the centre after a few outings at left-back. Rodri went off with cramp in the league game, so Kalvin Phillips is a sensible replacement to save Rodri for more testing games to come, while Kevin De Bruyne can also get a rest.
Then in attack, I'd persist with Erling Haaland with a view to substituting him early - maybe for Cole Palmer - and then resting him at Southampton next week before the derby. Julian Alvarez impressed off the wing for Argentina at the World Cup, so can line up opposite Phil Foden, who will want to improve on his quiet game on Thursday.
Jack Flintham
Sunday once again seems like the perfect moment to give Ortega further minutes in goal for the Blues. City's 'cup goalkeeper' has not let Guardiola down yet and is more than deserving of another runout.
Half-time substitutions Lewis and Akanji will likely get the nod again having impressed when introduced, plus this allows John Stones a much-needed rest. Speaking of rests, I agree that Rodri is in need of a break so Phillips should be given a chance to perform against Chelsea.
Haaland has not had a break since domestic football returned in England. A quiet game, by his standards, against the same opposition in midweek should point towards the Norwegian being dropped to the bench for this weekend.
Alvarez has not started since the World Cup so a starring role at the Etihad is more than deserved. Elsewhere, Grealish and Mahrez both showed their quality when introduced as substitutes at Stamford Bridge and the duo will be hoping to showcase their ability against Graham Potter's men in the FA Cup.
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