Predicted Manchester City Line-up To Face Shakhtar Donetsk In The Champions League
Manchester City may be leaving it too late in games to take all three points but they are getting the work done, like they did against West Ham United at the weekend. Pep Guardiola’s team are the favourites to run away with the league title and his side are also in line to go all the way in the Champions League this season.
Having already qualified for the knockout stages of the competition as group toppers, the Citizens play their final group stage game this week, when they travel to Shakhtar Donetsk, who actually need at least a point, to move into the next round. It will be interesting to see if Guardiola rests any of his stars.
Team News
Manchester City have David Silva out injured and have John Stones and Benjamin Mendy on the sidelines as well. Kevin De Bruyne is suspended and is hence unavailable.
Formation: 4-1-2-3
Manager: Pep Guardiola
GK – Claudio Bravo
Guardiola has rotated his shot-stoppers this season and should give Bravo a chance in this dead rubber.
RB – Kyle Walker
The former Spurs man has little back up for his role in the first-team and should start this game at right-back.
CB – Vincent Kompany
The Belgian was not in the starting XI against West Ham but is expected to be back in action against Shakhtar.
CB – Nicolas Otamendi
Easily City’s best defender this season, Otamendi has been solid at the back for his side and should partner Kompany in this game.
LB – Danilo
After a decent outing at left-back at the weekend, Danilo should keep his place in the side for this trip to Ukraine.
CDM – Yaya Toure
Toure put in a good shift in the previous game of the competition and Guardiola should stick with him for another game.
CM – Ilkay Gundogan
Though he’s not back to his best, Gundogan has a role to play in this Manchester City side and this game will be a good opportunity for him to find some form.
CM – Phil Foden
With both Silva and De Bruyne unavailable, Pep might find this as a great opportunity to hand the young Phil Foden a start.
RW – Bernardo Silva
Yet to adjust to life in England, Silva should start this game on the right flank, giving Raheem Sterling a deserved rest.
LW – Gabriel Jesus
Having lost his place in the starting XI recently, Jesus will be hoping to take this opportunity to prove his worth to his manager.
ST – Sergio Aguero
Though it is not a must-win game for City, Guardiola should give Aguero atleast an hour, as he can win games like these for his side with minimal effort.