Defending English Premier League champions Manchester City have got a great start to their EPL campaign.
Pep Guardiola’s side have won nine out of their first twelve matches. They have gathered twenty-nine points and are currently in the second place in the EPL table, two points behind Arsenal.
City have also qualified for the round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League. With eleven points from five matches, they are currently at the pole position of their group. The Citizens will now face Sevilla in their final match of the group stage. Sevilla’s fate in the tournament has been already sealed. They will finish third even if they win today.
Before this dead rubber, let’s take a look at how Pep Guardiola’s team can line up.
Manchester City Predicted Lineup
Pep Gutradiol will start with his typical 4-3-3 setup. Brazilian goalkeeper Ederson will get a rest against Sevilla. City’s summer signings Stefan Ortega will start under the bar. Ortega played a great match for City in their goalless draw against Borussia Dortmund.
Portuguese defender Ruben Dias is expected to start the heart of the Manchester City defense. He will be partnered by Dutch international Nathan Ake. Both of them has been in good form so far.
Joao Cancelo will get a rest in this match. The Portuguese fullback has been immense for City so far. Youngster Rico Lewis might get his first start in the UEFA Champions League. Spanish fullback Sergio Gomez who was suspended in the last match is expected to play as the left-back.
Club captain Ilkay Gundogan is expected to start at the base of the midfield. Rodri has played a lot since returning from his injury and surely deserves a rest in a dead rubber. Youngster Cole Palmer will start in the place of Kevin de Bruyne. De Bruyne is City’s biggest creative outlet so Palmer has huge shoes to fill. And he will be accompanied by Bernardo Silva.
Algerian winger Riyad Mahrez will get his chance on the right wing. Mahrez had a very poor start to the season. He will be looking to make the most out of this. English international jack Grealish will start on the left wing.
Manchester City’s goal machine Erling Haaland will surely not play any part in this match. Haaland has recently picked up an injury and Guardiola will risk him in a dead rubber. So, Argentine forward Julian Alvarez will get a start.
Full Lineup
Goalkeeper: Stefan Ortega
Defenders: Rico Lewis, Ruben Dias, Nathan Ake, Sergio Gomez
Midfielders: Cole Palmer, Ilkay Gundogan, Bernardo Silva
Forwards: Riyad Mahrez, Julian Alvarez, Jack Grealish
