Predicted Manchester City line-up to face Lyon in the Champions League
Premier League champions Manchester City begin their Champions League campaign with a home game against French club Lyon. Manager Pep Guardiola was evidently dissatisfied, cutting a frustrating figure on the touchline even though his team steamrolled Fulham 3-0 on Saturday. Hence, it is clear that the Spaniard would want more from his players on Wednesday.
Lyon have made a twitchy start to their league campaign, after managing to win only two games out of the five played. They would be hoping to come to the Etihad and put up a good show. For the Cityzens, it is a case of starting well and building momentum.
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Kevin de Bruyne, Claudio Bravo and Danilo are long-term absentees, while Sergio Aguero and Benjamin Mendy are a doubt for this game. This long list may just force Pep to not tinker much with his starting line-up. However, he still has a big enough squad to rotate and field a strong team.
Probable Manchester City XI
Formation: 4-3-3
Manager: Pep Guardiola
Ederson (GK)
The Brazilian has been good on the ball as usual and solid whenever he’s been forced to make a save or two.
Kyle Walker (RB)
Walker has looked super fit thus far, even after coming back late from the World Cup. All credits to his fitness and desire to play football.
John Stones (CB)
The Englishman was rested on Saturday, so he might get a nod ahead of Nicolas Otamendi for the Wednesday game.
Aymeric Laporte (CB)
The Frenchman has been superb so far, showing why Pep bought him in the winter transfer window last season.
Fabian Delph (LB)
With Mendy doubtful for this game, Delph may continue playing at left-back. The Englishman was fantastic against Fulham.
Fernandinho (CDM)
The Brazilian is ever-present in the midfield, shielding the defence and winning second balls to sustain attacks.
David Silva (LCM)
Silva has started the season well and in the absence of de Bruyne, Pep would be hoping that the Spaniard delivers consistently.
Ilkay Gundogan (RCM)
The German was rested on Saturday, which means there is a probability that he might start on Wednesday.
Bernardo Silva (RW)
The Portuguese has revelled in whatever role he has been assigned this season. With Riyad Mahrez struggling to find peak form, Silva may win the race to play on the right wing against Lyon.
Gabriel Jesus (ST)
Aguero is a doubt for the game, meaning a chance is there for Jesus to stake his claim for the centre-forward role.
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Raheem Sterling (LW)
The Englishman has been in good form. He got a full rest during the international break, so he must be fresh enough to play two games in four days.