Pep Guardiola has admitted he will put out a strong side to face RB Leipzig on Tuesday, with top spot in the Champions League group still up for grabs.
Manchester City need a point against the German side to secure first place in the group stage, having won the first four matches of this season’s European campaign, including a 3-1 win in the reverse meeting.
"We have to win or draw,” said the City boss. “The first step is done for both sides, so congratulations to RB Leipzig to qualify for the next round in February. It is important to finish first. We believe that when we play the last-16, the second leg at home is not decisive, but is an advantage and we have to take it."
Guardiola also said he does not expect any players who missed Saturday’s draw against Liverpool to be back in time for the Leipzig match, meaning that Mateo Kovacic, Matheus Nunes and Jack Grealish are out, although Kovacic and Grealish did train on Monday ahead of the game.
Meanwhile, John Stones is not available to start. The defender was in the squad against Liverpool but Guardiola said after the game that he needs to go through strength sessions for his ongoing hip issue.
The absentees mean Guardiola doesn’t have a huge amount of options in terms of rotation and City are expected to name a similar side on Tuesday to the one which started against Liverpool. Here’s how we think City will line-up…
1. GK: Ederson
The only player to have played every single minute in Europe this season, and is expected to start again on Tuesday.
2. RB: Rico Lewis
Guardiola said on Saturday that the teenager will start, the only question is whether that's in midfield or at right-back.
3. CB: Ruben Dias
With City expected to name a full-strength side, Dias will likely start.
4. CB: Nathan Ake
It's a toss up between Ake or Manuel Akanji, but we're tipping the latter to be dropped.