Man City XI vs Chelsea: Predicted lineup, confirmed team news and injury latest for Premier League

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Evening Standard

·4 gennaio 2026

Man City XI vs Chelsea: Predicted lineup, confirmed team news and injury latest for Premier League

Pep Guardiola facing huge selection decisions for Etihad clash

Rodri and Jeremy Doku could start for Manchester City against Chelsea.

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Doku made his comeback from a calf injury as a substitute in the 0-0 draw with Sunderland on New Year’s Day, while Rodri returned off the bench after two months out.

Pep Guardiola has said he “has to be careful” with Rodri and Doku, but their return to fitness is a major boost for City in their bid to chase down Arsenal in the title race .

Guardiola hailed Rodri’s cameo in Sunderland after he replaced the injured Nico Gonzalez at half-time, saying: “He changed the game. He proved in 45 minutes that he is the best in his position. Hopefully he can stay fit because he makes us a better team."

Rodri returned as a substitute against Sunderland

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Guardiola now faces a big decision over whether to start him against Chelsea.

Speaking ahead of the Chelsea game, Guardiola said: “In this period to have two games away is so demanding.

“You know, Christmas times always happen and it has been a tough two games at Nottingham Forest and [at Sunderland], so yeah, we have to see.

“[There’s] not much time. We’ll see what happened. Rodri is back and Jeremy - both have come from long, long injuries. So we have to be careful.

“[I will] talk with the doctors, with the physios and we will see.”

Doku could come into the team in place of Phil Foden.

Nico O'Reilly was taken off against Sunderland and Josko Gvardiol could play at left-back, with Nathan Ake or Abdukodir Khusanov alongside Ruben Dias at centre-back.

Savinho has joined Mateo Kovacic, Oscar Bobb and John Stones out injured, while Omar Marmoush and Rayan Ait-Nouri are still away at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Doubt: Gonzalez

Unavailable: Ait-Nouri, Marmoush (AFCON)

Time and date: 5.30pm GMT on Sunday, January 4, 2026

Venue: Etihad Stadium, Manchester

How to watch: Sky Sports