The biggest surprise about tonight’s starting XI is the absence of Fernandinho and Rodrigo.
That suggests Ilkay Gundogan will pivot a midfield trio that will likely include Kevin De Bruyne and Phil Foden.
With no recognised striker, Sterling and Riyad Mahrez could flank the false 9 role that is likely to be occupied by Bernardo.
We won’t know if any of the above is correct until the game begins – but with five subs permitted plus another if extra time is played, there is plenty of scope to tweak and amend as the game progresses.
When and where
City face Thomas Tuchel’s side at Porto’s Estádio do Dragão on Saturday 29 May, with kick-off at 20:00 (UK).
Fans living in the UK can watch the game for free live on BT Sport 1 or on the BT Sport YouTube channel, whilst supporters living around the world should check out our global TV listings, courtesy of livesoccertv.com, at the foot of this page to find out how you can tune in.
If you are unable to watch the match you can follow minute-by-minute updates in our Matchday Centre here on mancity.com and the Man City App.
CITY+ subscribers can also watch a full-match replay at midnight following the game.
We’re Not Really Here
There is a bumper line-up for the cup final edition of our We’re Not Really Here matchday show.
Nedum Onuoha, Kevin Horlock and Paul Dickov will join us live from Porto with presenter Cel Spellman, whilst Shaun Goater, Gareth Taylor and YouTuber Steven McInerney will be back in Manchester with hosts Natalie Pike and Kyle Walker.
Our panel will guide you through all the pre-match build-up with the usual mix of analysis and opinion, whilst they will also be providing reaction at both half-time and full-time.
We’re Not Really Here is available to watch on all of our digital platforms, including the Matchday Centre on mancity.com, and will begin 90 minutes before kick-off at 18:30 (UK).
Ilkay Gundogan, who was moving gingerly when he was withdrawn against Brighton and Hove Albion and was an unused substitute against Everton, has confirmed he is fit to face Chelsea.
With Joao Cancelo returning from suspension, it means Pep Guardiola has a full squad to choose from and he has taken 24 players to Portugal.
Pep Guardiola: WE HAVE TO SUFFER TO WIN
“Some players go out there with tension, some struggle, but they have to handle this.
“I’m pretty sure we have to suffer to win the final. It’s nice to say enjoy it but sometimes it’s not possible. You have to be resilient and adjust.
“I know exactly the way we want to play, with whom we are going to play and I am not going to bother them much.
“It is an incredible privilege to be here. I never expected at the start of my career to play one final of the Champions League. Now we are here. We are lucky.
“I know exactly what I am going to tell them. I don’t want to bother them too much.
“The guys who are anxious or nervous I am going to tell them it is normal and the guys who are more relaxed it is normal as well.
“Obviously, it’s been one of the goals of the club and one of the players to be in the Champions League final and perform on the highest stage in the world,”
“It’s a privilege. Everyone understands the pressure. We understand the magnitude of the occasion
“But at least we can enjoy the game. We can take it with a smile, and you want to perform and show your best.”
“It’s always tough to play against City, Bayern or Barcelona when Pep is on the sidelines. He creates huge belief and success and has a huge winning mentality.
“Maybe in the moment they are the strongest team in Europe, in the world, and they have built a huge gap between us in the league but we closed the gap for 90 minutes in Wembley and closed the gap again in Manchester.”
City come into the game on the back of a resounding 5-0 win over Everton on the final day of the Premier League season and have won seven of our last 10 games in all competitions.
We reached the final following a 4-1 aggregate victory over Paris Saint-Germain, staging a stunning fightback to win 2-1 in the first leg in the French capital before completing the job with an impressive 2-0 victory at the Etihad Stadium.
Chelsea guaranteed their place in the Champions League next season with a fourth place finish in the Premier League, despite losing 2-1 to Aston Villa in their final game of the season.
That was their third defeat in four matches in all competitions, which included missing out in the FA Cup final against Leicester City. The West London outfit having won five of their previous 10 fixtures ahead of Saturday’s meeting.
Tuchel’s side beat Real Madrid 3-1 on aggregate to reach the final, following up a 1-1 draw in the first leg in Spain with a convincing 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea won 2-1 at the Etihad three weeks ago to delay City’s title celebrations.
Raheem Sterling gave the home side the lead in the 44th minute and Sergio Aguero missed a golden opportunity to extend our lead before the break when his Panenka penalty was saved by Edouard Mendy.
Chelsea took full advantage of that reprieve, with Hakim Ziyech levelling on the hour mark, before Marcos Alonso consigned City to a frustrating defeat with a 92nd minute winner.
Match officials
Referee: Antonio Mateu Lahoz (ESP)
Assistant referees: Pau Cebrián Devís (ESP), Roberto del Palomar (ESP)
Video Assistant Referee: Alejandro Hernández (ESP)
