Man Cityvs.Chelsea

The Citizens were knocked out in the Champions League quarter-finals by Real Madrid on penalties on Wednesday night and Guardiola has since revealed that Erling Haaland, Kevin De Bruyne and Manuel Akanji all asked to be withdrawn prior to the shootout.

Guardiola claims that the City trio "could not continue" and while their respective issues remain unknown for the time being, the Catalan boss will hope that they can all make a speedy recovery in time for Saturday's contest.

Man City were boosted by the return of Kyle Walker to the starting lineup in midweek following his recovery from a hamstring injury. The right-back played the entire 120 minutes against Real Madrid, so it remains to be seen whether he can see out another full match on Saturday.

John Stones and Nathan Ake, who have both recently recovered from injuries, were named in the matchday squad in midweek - the former came on for the final eight minutes of extra time - and the defensive duo are in contention to play in some capacity against Chelsea, as are Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol.

Guardiola will weigh up whether to stick with first-choice goalkeeper Ederson, who scored a penalty in the shootout against Real Madrid, or to recall Stefan Ortega who has started all four of City's FA Cup ties so far this season.

Rodri is expected to continue in his deep-lying midfield role, and Bernardo Silva and ex-Chelsea man Mateo Kovacic are also in contention to start in midfield, while Phil Foden, Jack Grealish and Jeremy Doku are set to battle for a place on the flanks, although Foden could operate in the number 10 role if De Bruyne is not handed a start.

Manchester City possible starting lineup: Ortega; Walker, Stones, Dias, Ake; Rodri; Foden, De Bruyne, Alvarez, Doku; Haaland