Pep Guardiola will be forced into at least two changes in midweek for Manchester City‘s clash against RB Leipzig, from the side which drew 1-1 against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
Aymeric Laporte and Kevin De Bruyne didn’t make the journey to Germany on Tuesday due to illness and therefore won’t play at the Red Bull Arena. Both were involved against Forest, while City’s only other absentee for the Champions League first-leg tie is John Stones.
It does leave City light on centre-back options, with Ruben Dias, Nathan Ake and Manuel Akanji representing Guardiola’s main options, although the latter could play at left-back, as he often has done this campaign. Bernardo Silva has started in that role over the last three games, with mixed success in matches against Aston Villa, Arsenal and Forest.
Meanwhile, one of Kyle Walker and Rico Lewis is expected to start at right-back against Leipzig.
De Bruyne’s absence does limit Guardiola in midfield, with Rodri, Silva, Kalvin Phillips and Ilkay Gundogan the most likely options to make up a trio in the centre. Julian Alvarez offers an alternative, and the Argentine has played just off Erling Haaland on a few occasions this term.
The Norwegian will almost certainly start up front, and in the wide areas two of Riyad Mahrez, Phil Foden and Jack Grealish are expected to be named from the off in the last-16 encounter.
With City facing Bournemoith and then Bristol City in their two matches after Leipzig, rotation isn’t likely to concern Guardiola on Wednesday, and he should pick his strongest-possible team. Here’s how we think he’ll line up…
1. GK: Ederson
Has come in for a bit of recent criticism but is unlikely to lose his place.
2. RB: Kyle Walker
Seems a more likely selection ahead of the inexperienced Lewis. Walker was sent off at the Red Bull Arena last term.
3. CB: Manuel Akanji
A return to Germany is in prospect for the former Borussia Dortmund man.
4. CB: Ruben Dias
Played well since returning to the team in recent weeks.