Manchester City XI vs Chelsea – Predicted lineup and team news

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The Football Faithful

·12 April 2026

Manchester City XI vs Chelsea – Predicted lineup and team news

Manchester City travel to Stamford Bridge seeking a victory that could define their title charge.

Pep Guardiola appears to have found a perfect tactical formula in recent weeks. City recorded 24 high turnovers in the reverse meeting against the Blues.

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They now look to exploit a makeshift Chelsea backline to close the gap on leaders Arsenal, who suffered a shock defeat to Bournemouth on Saturday.

The visitors enjoy a stellar record in April, winning 28 of their last 31 league games. They average a league-high 2.50 points per game during this month under Guardiola.

Manchester City team news

Guardiola must shuffle his pack in defence as Dias and Gvardiol remain ruled out. Abdukodir Khusanov will likely partner former Chelsea youth star Marc Guéhi in the middle.

Gianluigi Donnarumma returns to start in goal after being rested during the cup ties. Bernardo Silva is set to make his 297th Premier League appearance today. This milestone will set a new record for a Portuguese player in the competition.

Erling Haaland starts after finding his clinical touch with a recent FA Cup hat-trick. He will be supported by the creative duo of Rayan Cherki and Antoine Semenyo.

Silva’s deeper role alongside Rodri has provided superior control in possession. This tactical shift has reinvigorated the City offence at a critical time.