Man City predicted XI to face Atletico & Pep Guardiola’s big decision in defence with Kyle Walker suspended

The need for squad rotation and keeping players fresh has never been more pertinent this season for Pep Guardiola than it is now, ahead of Manchester City’s Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid.

The Sky Blues host the Spanish champions in the first leg of their quarter-final tie on Tuesday, with a huge Premier League fixture against Liverpool approaching on the horizon, when Jurgen Klopp’s men travel to Etihad on Sunday in a potentially title-defining fixture.

Next week offers an almost identical dilemma for Guardiola, when a midweek meeting with Atletico is followed by the FA Cup semi-final against Liverpool.

It’s for that reason, Guardiola has to try and keep his stars as fit as possible, with four enormous games to consider in the space of just 12 days.

That’s why we’re predicting three changes for the match on Tuesday, from the one which started in the weekend win over Burnley, including Jack Grealish to be relegated to the bench.

The Catalan will have to make at least one alteration for the visit of Atleti, with Kyle Walker still suspended due to his red card in the group stages.

That means Guardiola has a decision to make, especially with Ruben Dias’s hamstring injury reducing City to just five available defenders.

Thankfully, the City manager doesn’t have the same problems further up the field, with Cole Palmer the only attack-minded player who is not fit to start.

Here’s how we think Guardiola will line up for Tuesday’s first leg…

Next week offers an almost identical dilemma for Guardiola, when a midweek meeting with Atletico is followed by the FA Cup semi-final against Liverpool.

5. Nathan Ake

Oleksandr Zinchenko’s lack of fitness and game-time in recent weeks means Ake is more likely to start. The centre-back could have a difficult time in an unnatural position, although Atletico don’t play with natural wingers.