Manchester City are likely to ring the changes for Sunday’s Premier League clash with Manchester United.
The champions put out a weakened side in mid-week as they eliminated Peterborough United from the FA Cup, with several key stars rested for the fifth-round tie.
Many of those are expected to return to the team for the Manchester derby, where City will be hoping to secure a league double over the Red Devils.
Pep Guardiola has already confirmed that he’ll have to make two changes from the team which started at London Road on Tuesday night, with Ruben Dias and Nathan Ake missing through injury.
Speaking in Friday’s pre-match press conference Guardiola said: “Nathan and Ruben are not available for Sunday. The rest are ready. Cole Palmer feels better, can hopefully start to train with us in the next days. The rest are good.”
The City boss also confirmed Dias could be absent between four to six weeks with a hamstring issue.
It means Guardiola will only have two regular centre-backs to choose from when United make the short journey to Eastlands.
But despite the issues at the back, City have more options up front, with Gabriel Jesus and Jack Grealish returning in midweek, while the latter netted in the 2-0 win over Peterborough.
Here’s how we think they’ll line up…
5. Joao Cancelo
Played excellently in the reverse fixture, although his productivity has dropped slightly in recent weeks. United could look to exploit the gap Cancelo leaves behind him when he advances down the line.
6. Rodri
Will have a big role stopping Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba getting on the ball at the Etihad. The midfielder will sit and allow City’s more adventurous players to play higher up.
7. Kevin De Bruyne
Rested in midweek and is likely to start against United. The Belgian is getting back to his best after a slow start to the campaign.
8. Bernardo Silva
Another who didn’t play on Tuesday, Silva scored at Old Trafford in November and will hope to net again at the weekend. There’s a chance the No.20 could push higher up the field if Ilkay Gundogan was to start.