Guardiola's Bold Rodri Call Revealed as Man City Prepares for Epic Chelsea Showdown

Manchester City look to narrow the distance to table-toppers Arsenal as they welcome Chelsea in Premier League action this Sunday.

With Arsenal and Aston Villa securing wins on Saturday, Pep Guardiola's team currently sits in third place, though defeating Chelsea would elevate them to second position and bring them within four points of the Gunners. The stakes are high for the eight-time Premier League title holders.

Taking on Chelsea presents its challenges, but Enzo Maresca's recent exit provides City with significant optimism. The manager-less Blues are struggling for consistency and appear vulnerable.

While Guardiola faces several injury concerns and players away at the Africa Cup of Nations, the Spanish tactician still possesses considerable depth throughout his talented roster.

Here's the starting eleven he might deploy against Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium.

Man City Predicted Lineup vs. Chelsea (4-2-3-1)

GK: Gianluigi Donnarumma—The Italian delivered with several crucial stops during the frustrating New Year's Day stalemate at Sunderland and should anticipate another active afternoon against Chelsea's dynamic attacking unit.

RB: Matheus Nunes—Nunes faces a stern test against Chelsea's rapid wide players, with the Portuguese defender lacking explosive speed. The right-back position could prove problematic for City this Sunday.

CB: Rúben Dias—Dias provides stability in defense whether confronting the skillful João Pedro or Chelsea's physical presence Liam Delap. The Portuguese center-back rarely makes mistakes.

CB: Joško Gvardiol—Gvardiol began as a substitute against Sunderland and entered at left-back, but should regain his central role from Nathan Aké on Sunday. He's developed an effective understanding with Dias.

LB: Nico O'Reilly—The academy graduate will face either Pedro Neto or Estêvão and must handle significant challenges from these skillful Chelsea attackers.

DM: Rodri—Guardiola would prefer to ease Rodri back gradually, but Nico González's injury might compel the Ballon d'Or recipient to rejoin the starting lineup. Former Chelsea player Mateo Kovačić is also unavailable in midfield.

DM: Tijjani Reijnders—Reijnders has shown excellent offensive output recently after temporarily losing momentum following his promising City debut. Three goals and one assist across his previous eight appearances should boost his confidence significantly.

RW: Rayan Cherki—Cherki has impressed consistently since recovering from injury and establishing himself in Guardiola's first team. The talented Frenchman might be the decisive factor against Chelsea's porous defense.

AM: Bernardo Silva—Silva may not dominate matches as he once did, but remains a reliable presence centrally for Guardiola. An essential selection for important fixtures.

LW: Phil Foden—While six goal contributions in 18 Chelsea encounters isn't spectacular, the England international has rediscovered his form this campaign and will seek to improve that record.

ST: Erling Haaland—Six goal contributions across six Chelsea meetings represents a far superior statistic, and Haaland, scoreless in his recent two outings, will sense opportunity against the unsettled Blues.