The Champions League group stage has once again been a procession for Manchester City, who have the chance to win Group G on Tuesday night.
The current holders have made the perfect start to their title defence, winning all four of their group games thus far. Their victory over RB Leipzig in the reverse fixture on Matchday 2 set them up for a stroll and they’ll top the group should they avoid defeat in this one.
While Leipzig will join City in the round of 16, they’ll need to become the first team to beat Pep Guardiola’s side at the Etihad in Europe since Liverpool in April 2018 to have any chance of pipping them to top spot.
After making no substitutions during Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Liverpool, Guardiola is bound to make a few changes to his starting XI in midweek. Here’s how City could line up.
GK: Ederson – The Brazilian was an injury doubt during the international break, but he was fit to start at the weekend. Ederson should retain his place with Stefan Ortega more likely to feature on Matchday 6.
CB: Kyle Walker – There are several different routes Guardiola could go down in defence, but he’ll likely retain the reliable veteran Walker.
CB: Ruben Dias – John Stones returned to the matchday squad against Liverpool and could feature in midweek. However, the Englishman is more likely to earn minutes off the bench after suffering another injury setback.
CB: Josko Gvardiol – Gvardiol may have dropped down the pecking order after Nathan Ake’s performance on Saturday, but he’ll nonetheless return to the starting XI on Tuesday night.
CM: Rodri – The Spaniard’s inclusion is necessary given the speed RB Leipzig boast in transition. He’s the controlling presence Guardiola relies upon to keep the opposition at arm’s length.
CM: Rico Lewis – Lewis starred in the reverse fixture and should get minutes after failing to come on at the weekend.
RM: Oscar Bobb – Bobb looks like he could be something special, but he’s rarely featured for Guardiola’s side. This is a good opportunity for Pep to give the youngster a chance to impress.
AM: Julian Alvarez – The Argentine may be worse for wear, but the boss doesn’t have too many alternative options for this role. He surely won’t last the full 90 on this occasion.
AM: Bernardo Silva – The majestic Bernardo is seemingly always available and never needs a rest.
LM: Jeremy Doku – Jack Grealish would have been expected to rotate in for Belgium international Doku but the Englishman might not recover from illness in time for Tuesday night.
ST: Erling Haaland – Haaland shook off an ankle knock to start against Liverpool and should get the nod again in midweek. The Nordic machine scored just the five goals when Leipzig last visited the Etihad.
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