Pep Guardiola must decide whether to bring a number of first-team stars into the side as Manchester City face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
It is a tough start to the season for the Premier League champions, and it will be made tougher if Guardiola opts to be cautious with the fitness of some of his key players.
Phil Foden, John Stones, Kyle Walker and Rodri all missed the Community Shield victory last weekend, only returning to training this week after being given an extended break following their involvement in the Euro 2024 final earlier this summer.
It means Mateo Kovacic could well continue at the base of midfield against former club Chelsea, with Rico Lewis likely to keep his place should Walker not come straight into the starting lineup at right-back.
City will be without Oscar Bobb, who has impressed in pre-season. The winger suffered a fractured fibula in training and reports suggest he could be out for up to four months, with surgery required.
Bernardo Silva came off the bench to score in the Community Shield and is expected to be involved from the off at Stamford Bridge, while Kevin De Bruyne is also likely to start.
With Foden not being involved in pre-season, Savinho appears the most likely option to replace Bobb on the right wing. Erling Haaland will lead the line.
Predicted Man City XI: Ederson; Lewis, Akanji, Dias, Gvardiol; Kovacic; Savinho, Bernardo, De Bruyne, Doku; Haaland
Time and date: 4:30pm BST, Sunday August 18, 2024
Venue: Stamford Bridge
Injured: Bobb
Doubt: Grealish
