Man City predicted lineup vs RB Leipzig - Champions League

Manchester City kick off their Champions League campaign on Wednesday night, looking to go one better this season after losing in the final of the competition last term.

The draw hasn't been kind to them - they face fellow European giants PSG in the group stages, as well as their first opponents, RB Leipzig.

Here's the team Pep Guardiola could pick for the fixture.

1. Goalkeeper & defenders

John Stones is yet to feature for Man City this season | David Ramos/Getty Images

Ederson (GK): The Brazilian would have been likely to start this game regardless of Zack Steffen’s availability. The understudy American only got his chance in the Champions League last season once qualification to the knockout stages was already assured.

Kyle Walker (RB): Expected to keep his place unless Guardiola opts to reshuffle things by switching Joao Cancelo back to the right for the first time since the opening weekend of the season.

John Stones (CB): Surprisingly yet to make an appearance so far this season, with Aymeric Laporte favoured so far, but could resurrect last season’s partnership with Ruben Dias.

Ruben Dias (CB): Perhaps the only outfield player in the City squad who can be assured of starting virtually every game, and the first name on the team-sheet here.

Oleksandr Zinchenko (LB): Has been building up his fitness with substitute appearances and could get his first start of the season in place of Cancelo, who has started every game so far.

2. Midfielders

Bernardo Silva could keep his starting place | James Williamson - AMA/Getty Images

Bernardo Silva (CM): The Portuguese scored the winner against Leicester and Guardiola may be reluctant to throw Kevin De Bruyne into the starting lineup after leaving him as an unused substitute in that game following an ankle injury.

Fernandinho (CM): The slower and more technical style of the European game may suit the veteran skipper and allow the boss to rest Rodri, who has started all but one game so far this season.

Ilkay Gundogan (CM): Has captained City in the last two games and the doubts over whether De Bruyne or Phil Foden are ready to start should see him keep his place. But the armband could go back to Fernandinho.

3. Forwards

Raheem Sterling could start for the first time in a month | Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images

Riyad Mahrez (RW): Yet to start since the opening game of the Premier League season last month but has made contributions off the bench and could get his chance here.

Ferran Torres (ST): The possible rest for Gabriel Jesus and the lack of another recognised striker could see the Spaniard given the opportunity to carry on the stellar job he has been doing.

Raheem Sterling (LW): Guardiola may consider resting Jack Grealish as the £100m record signing has only been 15 minutes shy of being an ever-present in the Premier League this season.


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Source : 90min