Pep Guardiola is likely to make several changes to his Manchester City side for the midweek clash against Young Boys.
City have won all of their opening three games in the Champions League group stage and need to pick up just two more from the final three matches to secure their place in the knockout stages. Guardiola said on Saturday that he wants to get qualification wrapped up this week.
“[It’s] so important,” claimed the 52-year-old, after Saturday’s 6-1 win over Bournemouth. “More than you can imagine because we can park the car until February and focus on the Premier League and the others. We have to close it on Tuesday.”
Despite that, City are expected to rotate their squad in the midst of a busy spell of the campaign. The European champions should dispatch Young Boys with relative ease, and Sunday’s game against Chelsea is likely to be prioritised by Guardiola.
The City boss rested Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol and Jack Grealish at the weekend, so the trio are prime candidates to start on Tuesday, while Phil Foden was introduced from the bench at half-time.
If Guardiola is to rotate, Kyle Walker and Rodri are among those who could drop to the bench. Julian Alvarez has played more matches than any City player this season but will probably start due to Erling Haaland’s ankle injury. The Norwegian striker is a doubt after picking up the problem at the weekend, and he is unlikely to be rushed back for the clash against Young Boys.
With all this in mind, here’s how we expect City to line up on Tuesday night…
1. GK: Ederson
Has played all three Champions League games so far this season and will probably start on Tuesday, although Guardiola could be tempted to give Stefan Ortega some minutes.
2. RB: Rico Lewis
If Walker does drop out, Lewis is the likely candidate to come into the team. The full-back has impressed in the Champions League this season.
3. CB: Ruben Dias
Rested on Saturday, so the Portugal centre-back should return to the starting XI.
4. CB: Nathan Ake
It feels like a toss up between Ake or Manuel Akanji, especially with John Stones returning from a recent injury and more likely to drop out of the side. We've gone for Ake to partner Dias.