Man City predicted lineup vs Sporting CP - Champions League

Manchester City will look to complete the job when they host Sporting CP in their Champions League last 16 second leg on Wednesday.

Pep Guardiola's side completely outclassed their hosts in the first instalment, running out 5-0 winners in Lisbon three weeks ago.

Although the away goals rule has been abolished and Guardiola does have a few selection headaches, don't expect an upset in the return leg.

Here's the side the Catalan could pick to see City through to the quarter-finals...


1. Goalkeeper & defenders

Zinchenko could start | Marc Atkins/GettyImages

Ederson (GK) - Back-up keeper Zack Steffen is injured so the Brazilian number one will doubtless continue here. Made his league debut for Benfica against Sporting back in 2016.

Joao Cancelo (RB) - City have a few injury problems at the back, so Benfica youth product Cancelo might switch flanks.

John Stones (CB) - Didn't do badly in the Manchester derby in Ruben Dias' absence. Played at right-back in the first leg.

Aymeric Laporte (CB) - With Nathan Ake also injured, Laporte will likely continue in central defence here.

Oleksandr Zinchenko (LB) - Will have other, far more important things on his mind given what is going on in his homeland Ukraine, but football can at least provide a brief distraction.


2. Midfielders

Fernandinho (DM) - A pretty good opportunity to get some minutes into the veteran's ageing legs. This would be his 100th Champions League appearance.

Ilkay Gundogan (CM) - Impressed off the bench in the derby and provided a late assist. Will be looking to reclaim a regular starting berth.

Phil Foden (CM) - Played up front against Man Utd and did OK, but Guardiola may be tempted to deploy him in a deeper role against Sporting.


3. Forwards

Mahrez has been in dazzling form | Alex Livesey - Danehouse/GettyImages

Riyad Mahrez (RW) - In sensational form, moving onto 21 goals for the season with a brace in the derby. Arguably the first name on the team sheet at present...

Gabriel Jesus (ST) - Didn't get off the bench on Sunday as he's eased back from an injury. He's scored in all five of his appearances at this stage of the competition.

Raheem Sterling (LW) - Another man who was left on the bench on Sunday as Jack Grealish impressed in his place. Sterling will have a point to prove on Wednesday night.



Source : 90min