Seeking revenge, Chelsea has already suffered three defeats against City this season, including a 1-0 loss at Stamford Bridge in January, courtesy of a second-half goal by Riyad Mahrez. As Manchester United's treble-winning season from 24 years ago lingers in their memories, Manchester City stands on the verge of creating their own historic legacy by potentially clinching three trophies this season. Pep Guardiola successfully guided the team to the Champions League final with a commanding 4-0 victory over reigning champions Real Madrid in the second leg of the semi-final. Bernardo Silva (2), Manuel Akanji, and Julian Alvarez were all on the scoresheet, setting up a final showdown with Inter Milan in Istanbul on June 10.
While a Manchester derby FA Cup final at Wembley is already scheduled a week earlier, City's primary focus is on securing maximum points on Sunday to retain the Premier League trophy for the third consecutive season. This remarkable achievement has been accomplished only twice before, by Manchester United between 1998 and 2001 and between 2006 and 2009.
Guardiola's team, currently four points clear at the top of the table with a game in hand over second-placed Arsenal, is enjoying a customary winning streak at a crucial stage of the season. They have claimed victory in each of their last 11 Premier League matches and have been dominant at home in all competitions. Since the start of the year, they have won all 16 matches played at the Etihad, scoring an impressive 56 goals while conceding only seven.
This run of success at home began with a comprehensive 4-0 win against Chelsea in the FA Cup third round in January, one of five victories without conceding against their West London opponents since the disappointing loss in the 2021 Champions League final in Porto.
For Manchester City, lifting the Premier League trophy in front of their home fans would be the perfect way to conclude their final home game of the season before shifting their focus to pursuing two more trophies in the upcoming month.
INJURIES & SUSPENSIONS
Man City's primary injury concern revolves around former Chelsea defender Nathan Ake, who has been absent for the last three games due to a hamstring injury. His availability for Sunday's match remains uncertain.Given the demanding schedule of three Premier League games within eight days, Pep Guardiola is expected to make some changes to his starting lineup. Aymeric Laporte is a potential option to strengthen the defense, possibly replacing either Akanji or Kyle Walker.
Riyad Mahrez, who has scored four goals in the previous three encounters against Chelsea, will be pushing for a starting spot on the right flank, potentially edging out Bernardo Silva. Additionally, Phil Foden and Julian Alvarez are eager to reclaim their positions in the starting XI after starting from the bench in the midweek match.
Captain Ilkay Gundogan, in excellent form with four goals in his last two league games, and playmaker Kevin De Bruyne, with seven assists in his last nine matches across all competitions, are both expected to start in advanced roles behind Premier League's top scorer Erling Braut Haaland.
Regarding Chelsea, Benoit Badiashile is the latest addition to their extensive injury list, having suffered a groin injury during training. Reece James, Ben Chilwell, Marc Cucurella (all hamstring), Mason Mount (pelvic), N'Golo Kante (groin), and Armando Broja (knee) are already ruled out. Kalidou Koulibaly (hamstring) and Mateo Kovacic (unspecified) are doubtful and will be assessed before the game.
Manager Frank Lampard will consider whether to stick with Edouard Mendy in goal or recall Kepa Arrizabalaga. Wesley Fofana is expected to step in for Badiashile in the starting lineup, which may also feature Thiago Silva and Trevoh Chalobah if Lampard opts for a back three.
Kai Havertz, Joao Felix, Noni Madueke, Mykhaylo Mudryk, and Hakim Ziyech will compete for a place in the attacking third alongside former Man City player Raheem Sterling, who is likely to retain his position after scoring twice in the previous weekend.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Manchester City possible starting lineup:Ederson; Walker, Dias, Laporte; Stones, Rodri; Mahrez, De Bruyne, Gundogan, Grealish; Haaland
Chelsea possible starting lineup:
Kepa; Chalobah, Silva, W. Fofana; Azpilicueta, Kovacic, Fernandez, Gallagher, Hall; Sterling, Havertz
EXPERT PREDICTION
Manchester City 3-0 Chelsea
Regardless of whether Guardiola chooses to rotate his squad, Man City possesses enough depth to comfortably overcome a Chelsea team that is playing for pride and going through an experimental phase as the season nears its end.
Man City has emerged victorious in their last home league match in eight out of the past nine seasons, and we anticipate another convincing win over the Blues. The atmosphere at the Etihad is likely to be celebratory as City secures another triumph.
