Pep Guardiola may decide to rest several players for Manchester City’s Champions League clash with Copenhagen.
The Blues travel to the Danish capital on Tuesday knowing they will secure their place in the last-16 with a win.
City made light work of Copenhagen last week, winning 5-0 thanks to an Erling Haaland brace and an own-goal from Davit Khocholava in the first half, before Riyad Mahrez and Julian Alvarez netted in the second period.
It was a straightforward assignment for City when the sides met in Manchester, and with that in mind they could be tempted to rest several players on Tuesday in the midst of such a busy fixture schedule.
Guardiola’s men play eight games in October and face a huge clash against Liverpool next weekend in the Premier League, a match that will still be seen as one of the club’s toughest fixtures this season despite Liverpool’s troubles in the early months of the new campaign.
There are also a few injuries for the City boss to contend with. Kyle Walker and Kalvin Phillips have had operations in recent weeks and won’t be back soon, while John Stones isn’t expected to be involved in either of the upcoming matches due to a hamstring issue he picked up on international duty.
Guardiola also gave a small indication of his selection plans for Tuesday during Saturday’s win over Southampton. Ilkay Gundogan didn’t play at all while Phil Foden was replaced early and Joao Cancelo, Bernardo Silva, Kevin De Bruyne and Mahrez were also taken off.
Meanwhile,Haaland is yet to be given a rest and has started all of the club’s competitive matches this season. Perhaps Copenhagen could be an opportunity to rest the prolific Norwegian.
Here’s how we think City will line up in midweek and the six changes we’re tipping Guardiola to make.
City made light work of Copenhagen last week, winning 5-0 thanks to an Erling Haaland brace and an own-goal from Davit Khocholava in the first half, before Riyad Mahrez and Julian Alvarez netted in the second period.
5. Sergio Gomez
Could come in to help with City’s issues at full-back and he started in last week’s encounter with Copenhagen.
6. Ilkay Gundogan
Rested at the weekend and may start in place of Rodri who has been dealing with a niggle over the last week or so.
7. Bernardo Silva
Played well in recent weeks and could start given City don’t have a plethora of options in midfield.
8. Kevin De Bruyne
Rested in the reverse fixture and was taken off on Saturday to keep him fresh.