Manchester City managed to find yet another win late in the game, this time from David Silva, as they picked up yet another victory in the domestic league at the weekend over West Ham United. They are sitting pretty at the top of the PL points table and can turn their attention towards the Champions League trip to Ukraine this week.
Pep Guardiola’s men travel to Donetsk to face Shakhtar Donetsk on Wednesday in an inconsequential game for the Citizens, who are sure to qualify for the knockout stage of the competition, at the top of their group, irrespective of the result in this game. The hosts, however, can yet qualify with a victory in this tie and are expected to make life tough for the visitors.
Guardiola might rest a few key players for this game, with the Manchester Derby looming large at the weekend and here is the predicted lineup he might field for this tie:
Team News:
Guardiola has no new injury issues to worry about ahead of this tie. Benjamin Mendy and John Stone are still out injured and will be the only absentees alongside Kevin de Bruyne, who is suspended and David Silva, who is rested.
Expected lineup (4-3-3):
Defense:
Guardiola has preferred Ederson on goal for most UCL games but he might be given a rest, giving Claudio Bravo a rare start this season. Skipper Vincent Kompany started from the bench at the weekend and could start this game alongside Eliaquim Mangala, who has a point to prove. Nicolas Otamendi, City’s most consistent defender, is expected to be given a much-deserved rest.
Kyle Walker has been solid at the back for City and deserves a rest. He should be replaced by Danilo, who will play in a familiar role, for just the second time this season. Fabian Delph, who had a decent outing against West Ham at the weekend, is expected to play at left-back yet again.
Midfield:
Yaya Toure started the previous game in this competition for City and is expected to keep his place in the side alongside Fernandinho, who was rested for the weekend. The duo were instrumental in a title-winning season for their side and will pair up for the first time this season in the midfield for Guardiola.
Ilkay Gundogan did not have a decent outing in the last start he got but should get another chance to impress the manager on this trip to Ukraine.
Attack:
Raheem Sterling has been exceptional in the last few games and deserves a rest. Bernardo Silva, who is yet to settle into life at Etihad, could get a chance to start, on the right flank in attack. Leroy Sane was frustrated in the game against West Ham and will get a chance to find some solace in this game against Donetsk.
Sergio Aguero remains Guardiola’s prime striker choice and should be rested for the game against United at the weekend. This will see Gabriel Jesus lead the attack for City.
Here is how they might line up:
