Manchester City and Monaco will rub shoulders when the two sides face each other in the Champions League round of 16-second leg. City are holding a 5-3 lead over the French giants but the way Monaco have been playing they are capable of overturning the result.
A goal feast is expected as both the teams love to play free-flowing attacking football. Guardiola has completely changed the philosophy at Etihad and his possession based football has become popular among the City supporters. On the other side, Monaco have scored the highest number of goals in Europe this season and on their day they can upset any team.
The stakes will be higher in this match and it will mainly be Manchester City’s attack vs Monaco’s attack.
Here is the combined lineup of both the teams.
Manager- Pep Guardiola
The Spaniard has been appointed as the manager of the English side at the start of this season. His appointment was greeted with much fanfare and the Spaniard has managed to guide City to the FA Cup quarterfinals and to the Champions League round of 16. The Citizens are currently also unbeaten in the last 11 matches in all competitions.
Gk- Danijel Subasic
The 32-year-old has been one of the finest goalkeepers in the French League. His outstanding antics in the Monaco goal has seen the French team conceding only 26 goals in the Ligue 1.
Left Back- Benjamin Mendy
The 22-year-old moved to Monaco last year and this year has emerged as the first choice left back under Leonardo Jardim. The teenager has racked up five assists in the French top tier.
Centre back- Nicolas Otamendi
The 29-year old Argentine international has had his fair share of games this season. Guardiola has rotated his defence but Otamendi remains a constant in his set up.
Centre back- John Stones
The high-profile arrival from Everton was initially stuttering to adapt himself to Pep Guardiola’s plans. But now the youngster has acclimatised to the tactics and has been a regular starter.
Right back- Djibril Sidibe
There is no other choice and Sidibe has to be on the right side of the defence.
CDM- Fernandinho
One of the most consistent performers in the City team right now. His brilliant passing and ball playing ability have been highly rated by Pep.
CM- Joao Moutinho
The Portuguese international is a tireless midfielder.
LW- Leroy Sane
The German wonder kid has been excellent in the last few games for Manchester City. His marauding run through the flanks has been very fruitful for the English side.
CAM- Bernardo Silva
One of the main reasons why Monaco has been so devastating in their attack. The 22-year-old is capable of finding the space and has netted six goals so far.
RW- Raheem Sterling
The Englishman has changed his playing style according to Pep. His sudden burst of pace in the attacking third is a delight to watch.
FWD- Radamel Falcao
The Colombian has been in sensational form this season.
