Belgian midfielder Kevin de Bruyne makes his first start of the Premier League season as Manchester City take on a rampant Chelsea at the Stamford Bridge on Saturday. English starlet Phil Foden also keeps his place from the midweek win vs Wycomebe Wanderers in the Carabao Cup with Pep Guardiola looking for his first win over Thomas Tuchel since the German took over Chelsea.   

Notably, Raheem Sterling has been dropped to the bench, with his compatriot Jack Grealish taking his place on the left wing. Gabriel Jesus starts on the right wing, with Bernardo Silva starting in the number nine position, presumably as the false nine. 

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Rodri has been chosen over Fernandinho as the holding midfielder, with only Aymeric Laporte replacing Nathan Ake in the back line from last week. 

For Chelsea, there’s no Mason Mount or Kai Havertz in midfield, as the Blues start with Jorginho, Mateo Kovacic and N’Golo Kante behind a strike partnership of Timo Werner and Romelu Lukaku.  

Starting lineups:

Chelsea: Edoudard Mendy, Antonio Rudiger, Andreas Christiansen, Cesar Azpilicueta, Marcos Alonso, Reece James, Jorginho, Mateo Kovacic, N’Golo Kante, Timo Werner, Romelu Lukaku.

Manchester City: Ederson, Joao Cancelo, Aymeric Laporte, Ruben Dias, Kyle Walker, Kevin de Bryune, Rodori, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Bernardo Silva, Gabriel Jesus.

Meanwhile, marquee summer signing Jadon Sancho could only make the bench for Manchester United‘s clash against Aston Villa. Cristiano Ronaldo leads the attack and will look to his three goals from two games with Bruno Fernandes and Mason Greenwood in support. 

Dean Smith has opted to start with a strike partnership of Danny Ings and Ollie Watkins up front as the Villans look to dampen United’s bright start to the season.  

Starting lineups:

Manchester United: David de Gea, Luke Shaw, Harry Maguire, Raphael Varane, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Fred, Scott McTominay, Paul Pogba, Bruno Fernandes, Mason Greenwood, Cristiano Ronaldo.

Aston Villa: Emiliano Martinez, Matt Targett, Tyrone Mings, Kortney Hause, Ezri Konsa, Matty Cash, Jacob Ramsey, Douglas Luiz, John McGinn, Ollie Watkins, Danny Ings.