Borussia Monchengladbach will be arriving at the Etihad Stadium to face a buoyant Manchester City team who are looking increasingly dangerous under a certain Pep Guardiola. The Catalan has won his first 6 games in charge of the club becoming the first manager in City’s history to do so. And he got the perfect game to notch up another record, which is looking like being the beginning of much more. A Manchester Derby at Old Trafford. A half totally outclassing a team with players like Paul Pogba, Rooney, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic being coached by Jose Mourinho.
But Pep Guardiola, who knows the Champions League by the back of his hand will be aware of the different ball game the competition is. The fans could be excused for being over the moon and celebrating for days together but the team will be on the training pitch striving towards the perfection the Catalan so seeks. One of the main reasons the Sky Blues hierarchy brought in Guardiola was to become a force to reckon with in Europe and for starters, these should be the games City should be winning convincingly. But it is not expected to be an easy ride playing against a team which qualified for the group stages virtue of a 9-2 aggregate win.
HERE IS THE PREDICTED MANCHESTER CITY LINE-UP VS BORUSSIA MONCHENGLADBACH (4-1-4-1)
DEFENCE
Claudio Bravo is expected to start in goal as he looks to better his understanding with his teammates. Zabaleta is in line for a comeback. John Stones and Otamendi might well start again. Though Kolarov is also an option. Clichy will get the nod at left-back then.
MIDFIELD
Fernandinho seems to be vital to what City do and will probably start, though Gundogan is in line to make his debut appearance at some stage. Silva and De Bruyne are favourites to feature in the No.8’s role again though it will be interesting to see how the Derby hero recovers from the exertions on Saturday.
ATTACK
Leroy Sane made his debut off the bench and is a likely candidate to make his full debut. Raheem Sterling might start from the bench. Jesus Navas also offers an option down the right-hand side. His industry will come in handy in European games. Nolito might just get the nod though. Up top, it will be the irrepressible Sergio Aguero. Banned for the next two domestic matches as well, he will be raring to fill his boots against the German outfit.
