Manchester City have been runaway leaders in the Group C of the Champions League as they are sitting on top with 10 points. They will welcome Shakhtar Donetsk at the Etihad this week, and the Citizens could secure a finish at the top of the group with a positive result.
City were able to bounce back against Chelsea in the league to keep the fight going for the title defence. In the reverse fixture against the Ukranian opponents, City had managed a comfortable 3-0 win, and we would expect them to ensure another three points at home.
Team News: Leroy Sane and Aymeric Laporte are still long term absentees. Ukraine international Oleksandr Zinchenko is unlikely to feature again due to a knee injury. David Silva and Rodri appeared to go off with slight injuries against Chelsea, and the Citizens might not risk them in this encounter.
Sergio Aguero was also seen limping off so even the South American striker is also doubtful. Claudio Bravo is suspended after being sent off against Atalanta FC in the previous group game.
Manchester City Predicted Lineup Vs Shakhtar Donetsk
Formation (4-3-3)
Defence
Ederson is expected to feature in goal for his side. Nicolas Otamendi could start in this encounter in defence with not much on the line. Fernandinho could partner him in the centre back role, and John Stones could be rested. Kyle Walker was ignored for the tie against Chelsea, and he could make a comeback at right back. Angelino could start in place of Benjamin Mendy at left-back.
Midfield
Ilkay Gundogan will likely play in the deeper role in midfield with Rodri being a doubt. Phil Foden will be expected to feature in midfield with David Silva also being a doubt. Even if the Spaniard was a hundred percent, one would have anticipated Foden to feature in a game of this nature. Bernardo Silva could feature in place of Kevin De Bruyne. The Portuguese international missed the last tie due to a suspension, and he should be fresh and raring to go in this game.
Attack
Riyad Mahrez scored a fantastic goal against Chelsea, and he deserves to start again from the right flank. Raheem Sterling had a quiet game overall at the weekend, and he would look to get back to his best against Shakhtar. The Englishman is likely to start from the left flank. Gabriel Jesus should be in line to lead the attack in this Champions League encounter.
