Energized after a triumph-filled pre-season, Manchester City will be hoping for a rematch of the 4-2 win in Ohio, as they face Chelsea tonight in the Premier League opener. Chelsea, however, will be fielding a revitalized squad, considering many ace stars are back in its camp after the off-season. Manchester City notably beat Chelsea in the friendly without their solid midfield duo- Rodri and Phil Foden. Besides, the defensive duo- Kyle Walker and John Stones were also unavailable for the friendlies. So all eyes will be searching for them as Pep Guardiola and Co. start their title defense by meeting the mighty London side.

Pep Guardiola said before the Chelsea game that Phil Foden, Kyle Walker, and John Stones returned to the Etihad in “good shape.” However, Rodri fans will be up for huge disappointment, as the reigning champions take on Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Is Rodri fit to play against Chelsea? Will Phil Foden start after a long break?

Turns, out Rodri, the best player at the UEFA Euro, is still nursing the injury he suffered in Spain’s triumphant final against England. “I didn’t see him yet, I think he feels good. We’ll have to start him training and see how he feels when he starts to move his body. No chance [against Chelsea],” said Pep Guardiola, referring to Rodri. Anyhow, the Spanish coach is confident that he could field Foden, Walker, and Stones. Well, not for the whole 90 minutes though.

“[They’ve had] just two or three training sessions, they arrived fit and in good shape,” said Guardiola referring to the English trio. He added, “We’ll see. I’m pretty sure they’re ready, maybe not for 90 minutes, maybe yes, maybe a few minutes.” Manchester City indeed thrived in the absence of Phil Foden and his English pals. City beat Manchester United to clinch the FA Community Shield without these stars.

So, it is not paramount that Guardiola has the stars from the beginning. He will perhaps summon them off the bench or even start them and substitute them later. So, who is likely to make the Sky Blues’ midfield tonight? Who else will miss City’s PL opener? Let’s find out.

Former Chelsea star and new signing expected to start in the City midfield

Former Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic is the most probable candidate to replace Rodri in the City midfield. Some rumors have it that, Blues’ ace Kevin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva would join Kovacic at the midfield. Meanwhile, City’s recent Brazilian signing Savinho is also expected to start for the Sky Blues. Meanwhile, Rodri is not alone in the reigning champions’ injury list.

Pep Guardiola confirmed that the 21-year-old winger Oscar Bobb will sit out in City’s Premier League opener against Chelsea. Bobb, who scored against Chelsea in the August 04 friendly, will miss four months of action, as he fractured his leg during training. After the Chelsea opener, City plays the recently promoted Ipswich Town, next week. Even if City bites the dust against Chelsea, they could bounce back against Ipswich. But the defending champs would be the last ones to start with a loss.