Manchester City will look to move one step closer to securing the top spot in Group C of the Champions League Group Stage as they face Atalanta at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday.
The Sky Blues are coming on the back of a morale-boosting 2-0 win over Crystal Palace on the weekend, and a win versus Atalanta would help them retain their hundred percent winning record in the Champions League.
Here is how Pep Guardiola’s men may line up in this important clash on Tuesday.
Formation: 4-3-3
Defence
The absence of Nicolas Otamendi forced Guardiola to field Rodri as a centre-back against Crystal Palace on the weekend. However, John Stones made his return to full fitness and made a substitute appearance. The English international is tipped to start this encounter, at the heart of Man City’s four-man backline alongside Fernandinho.
The Brazilian will continue to deputise for the injured Aymeric Laporte while it’s too early to judge whether or not Otamendi will be fit to feature against Atalanta.
Kyle Walker is also a doubt after missing the Palace clash due to illness. Joao Cancelo is expected to continue at right-back even if the ex-Tottenham returns to full fitness. Benjamin Mendy, meanwhile, could be given a breather, paving the way for the young Oleksandr Zinchenko to start at left-back. Angelino is also an option for Guardiola.
And finally, Ederson is expected to retain his place in goal, even though Claudio Bravo is pushing for a start since it’s a cup game.
Midfield
Guardiola didn’t have the chance to give Ilkay Gundogan a breather against Palace on the weekend. He definitely deserves a rest and will likely get one, paving the way for Rodri to return to his defensive midfield role.
Bernardo Silva, meanwhile, might be withdrawn in a deeper role as Pep is unlikely to risk Kevin de Bruyne or David Silva. That means Phil Foden could receive a rare start in central midfield, especially after scoring a late goal in the win over Dinamo Zagreb in the last Champions League fixture for Man City. It would be an excellent opportunity for the youngster to prove his worth.
Attack
Gabriel Jesus impressed in Man City’s win over Palace. But, he will be a victim of Pep’s rotation policy, allowing Sergio Aguero to return to the starting lineup and lead the City attack.
The Argentine ace will be supported by the wide duo of Riyad Mahrez and Raheem Sterling. The former was given a much-needed breather on the weekend and should be a guaranteed starter at right-wing in midweek.
