Manchester City host Steaua Bucharest in the second leg of the Champions League Qualifiers. It is widely understood City are almost through having thrashed the Romanian team 5-0 in their own backyard and such was their dominance a double-digit score wouldn’t have been a surprise in the end. The Romanian side will be looking for a miracle in order to overturn the first leg deficit but in truth scoring a goal or drawing the match would be seen as a huge achievement for them. Pep Guardiola has been working tirelessly in order to instill a new mentality and ethos in the player wherein they have to give there all while on the football pitch. Their off the ball work has been scrutinized as much as their work with the ball. And for Pep Wednesday will be another demonstration of the stage his players are in their transformation.
Though it is expected quite a few stars might get an initial rest, the appearance of Joe Hart, most probably for a final time in a City shirt is a possibility after Pep Guardiola refused to rule him out of tomorrow’s game. And to be honest it is the least he deserves.
DEFENCE
There is a distinct possibility Joe Hart will get a game tomorrow as he prepares to bid farewell to a glorious career at Manchester City. Bacary Sagna has been ruled out thus allowing Zabaleta another match to impress in the right-back position. Tosin Adaribioyo might be given a game after impressing in pre-season alongside Nicolas Otamendi with John Stones getting a day off. Gael Clichy might play at left-back if Pep decides to afford Kolarov some deserved rest.
MIDFIELD
Fernando offers an alternative if Fernandinho is afforded a rest as he looked a tad fatigued in the game against Stoke and his rest will be well deserved. Fabian Delph will be hopeful of a starting berth alongside one of David Silva or De Bruyne. Silva seems to have found his rhythm which was missing last season and will be crucial for Manchester City and his work load has to be managed. While Kevin De Bruyne has been adapting to his new role and while has looked in good touch his attacking output has been curtailed in the new formation.
ATTACK
Jesus Navas might get a second successive game after working hard against Stoke. Raheem Sterling might get a well-deserved rest after having flown off the blocks and has put in a series of commendable performances. Nolito is likely to start on the opposite flank while Kelechi Iheanacho is in line to start up top.
