Manchester City face South American champions Fluminense in the final of the Club World Cup on Friday.
Should City win the trophy, they could become the fourth English side to win the competition after Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool, and in the words of Pep Guardiola, would close the circle’ for his time at the Etihad.
City comfortably beat Japanese side Urawa Red Diamonds in the semi-final stage on Tuesday, with Marius Hoibraten netting an own-goal in first-half injury-time, before Mateo Kovacic and Bernardo Silva scored in the second period.
“The plan is to sleep, sleep and sleep! This is our plan,” Pep Guardiola said after the game. “Now we have to rest. They had one more day. We will have a day off, have dinner together and create an environment that the players know how important it is for the club.”
Some were perhaps a tad surprised that Guardiola opted to name a full-strength side for the clash, especially with City facing nine fixtures in December. But the Catalan boss opted to rest Ruben Dias and Rico Lewis altogether, while Josko Gvardiol and Julian Alvarez started on the bench.
In addition, Manuel Akanji, John Stones, Rodri, Silva and Phil Foden were all replaced, giving an indication of how City could line up from the clash with Fluminense, who beat African champions Al Ahly on Monday to progress to the final.
“This may be the only time we play this in our lifetime,” claimed Guardiola ahead of the game. “We are there. Tomorrow we start to watch Fluminense and see them and try to do a good performance."
City also face Everton and Sheffield United across a busy Christmas period, so keeping his side fresh could be key for Guardiola. With all that in mind, here’s how we think City could line up for Friday’s final.
1. GK: Ederson
Started in the semi-final and will likely be selected against the side from his native Brazil.
2. RB: Kyle Walker
Had a few sloppy moments on Tuesday but is expected to be selected again for the final.
3. CB: John Stones
Replaced in the latter stages of the semi-final, perhaps an indication Stones is being rested ahead of the final.
4. CB: Ruben Dias
Unlikely to be dropped for two consecutive games, especially with City in need of changes to freshen up the team.