Manchester City will travel to the VELTINS-Arena to clash heads with Schalke on Wednesday night looking to continue their recent good form across all competitions. The Citizens will head into this contest on the back of an emphatic 4-1 win over Newport County in the FA Cup last weekend. However, Schalke could be tricky opponents for Pep Guardiola’s men as the German outfit would look to perform well in front of their home supporters.
The away team will set-up in a 4-3-3 formation and might have a strong starting XI on the pitch so that they can get the job done in the first leg of this Champions League Round of 16 tie.
4-3-3 Manchester City Predicted Lineup To Face Schalke
Defence
Ederson will begin the match in goal for the away side on Wednesday night despite failing to keep a clean sheet against Newport County last weekend. Arijanet Muric will sit as a back-up on Guardiola’s bench.
The reliable centre-half duo of Aymeric Laporte and John Stones might resume their defensive partnership at the heart of the Man City backline as they look to keep the likes of Yevhen Konoplyanka quiet during the contest.
Fabian Delph might get the nod to impress at left-back while Kyle Walker aims to use his speed and agility on the other side as he resumes his responsibilities as Guardiola’s first-choice right-back.
Man City will have another excellent opportunity to impress under the lights as they look to make a statement in the UEFA Champions League this season so a lot will ride on their defensive performance at the VELTINS-Arena.
Midfield
The Citizens might go with the midfield three of Fernandinho, Kevin De Bruyne and David Silva as the trio tries to establish Man City’s dominance at the centre of the park. Phil Foden got a rare chance to shine for the Mancunian giants against Newport last weekend, but he should be on Guardiola’s bench alongside IIkay Gundogan as they await their opportunity to make an impact.
Attack
The visiting side’s attack would be comprised of Sergio Aguero leading the line on his own up top while Raheem Sterling and Leroy Sane provide some much-needed width down the wide areas. Sane managed to find the back of the net away at Newport which should give him some confidence heading into this crucial European away encounter against their Bundesliga opponents.
Man City should also have the likes of Bernardo Silva, Gabriel Jesus and Riyad Mahrez available on their bench as they look to make an impact during the latter stages of the encounter.
