The Manchester City vs Chelsea FA cup match will be played this Saturday, February 15, 2014 at the Etihad Stadium. This is the second match between these two clubs in a very short period of time, and even if it is a cup match, both managers will be looking for the win. Because of bad weather the match between City and Sunderland was rescheduled, so Pellegrini’s side is rejuvenated and ready for this encounter.
Goalkeeper: Costel Pantilimon
It is common for the Romanian goalkeeper to start in cup matches, so it will probably be the case against Chelsea too.
Right back: Pablo Zabaleta
Zabaleta features in almost every City match, and it is expected that he plays in this clash too.
Central backs: Vincent Kompany and Martin Demichelis
Captain Kompany will play for sure, there is a slight uncertainty about who will play beside him, Matija Nastasic or Martin Demichelis, but it is expected that the Argentine gets advantage over the Serbian.
Left back: Gael Clichy
Clichy mostly features in cup matches instead of Aleksandar Kolarov, and that should be the case in this match too.
Central midfielders: Yaya Toure and James Milner
Because of the injuries of Garcia and Fernandinho, this may be the only option that Pellegrini has. Demichelis could feature instead of Milner, but when we look back two weeks ago, when Demichelis was dreadful in the midfielder spot, Pellegrini will probably opt for Milner.
Left midfielder: David Silva
David Silva is standard down to the left flank this season, and it should be expected that he will start this match too.
Right midfielder: Jesus Navas
Silva’s fellow countryman is the only option at the right wing, because of the injury of Samir Nasri, so he should take part in this game for sure.
Attackers: Edin Dzeko and Alvaro Negredo
In the absence of Sergio Aguero, this is the standard pair of attackers that Pellegrini is using. Jovetic is ready, so he could feature probably instead of Dzeko, but there are very slight chances for that.
