Manchester City resume their UEFA Champions League campaign on Tuesday as they take on Sporting CP. The game in Lisbon should serve as the first leg of the Round of 16 clash, as the last season’s finalists look to continue their scoring momentum and secure an easy path to the quarterfinals. They are coming on the back of a 4-0 drubbing of Norwich City and are undisputed favourites to seal a first-leg advantage this midweek.
Predicted Manchester City Lineup Vs Sporting CP
Defence
Manchester City are missing a key defensive player this midweek in the form of Kyle Walker. The Englishman is facing a suspension, which may force Pep Guardiola to deploy Joao Cancelo at right-back. It could, in turn, pave the way for Oleksandr Zincheko to occupy the left-back role.
John Stones is another option at right-back for Guardiola, but the Man City coach might not take the risk. As for central defence, Aymeric Laporte and Ruben Dias remain the favourites to operate at the heart of the four-man backline. They will be keen on keeping things neat and tidy at the back, denying Sporting the opportunity to dominate the proceedings.
Meanwhile, in goal, there is no looking past Ederson Moraes, who is hoping to keep three back to back clean sheets in all competitions this midweek.
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Midfield
Guardiola rested a few key players in the weekend game against Norwich City, including Rodri and Kevin de Bruyne. Both of them are expected to return to the starting eleven this midweek, most likely at the expense of Fernandinho and Ilkay Gundogan.
With Rodri occupying the number six slot, the onus will be on de Bruyne and Bernardo Silva to offer the creative essence in the final third. Their collective contributions could go a long way in helping Manchester City retain control of the proceedings.
Attack
Moving into the attacking department, Guardiola could be tempted to start with Raheem Sterling following his blistering performance against Norwich City. The English international scored a hat-trick, which makes him the favourite to start at left-wing, ahead of Jack Grealish.
Elsewhere, Manchester City are unlikely to make too many changes, with Riyad Mahrez once again occupying the right flank, whereas Phil Foden will be tasked with the responsibility of operating as a false nine.
