Man City predicted lineup vs FC Copenhagen - Champions League
- Man City hold a 3-1 advantage over FC Copenhagen heading into second leg
- Jack Grealish is City's only injury concern
- Pep Guardiola is likely to rotate after Sunday's derby win
A 3-1 victory in Copenhagen means Manchester City already have one foot in the Champions League quarter-finals.
The holders were dealt a kind round of 16 draw against the Danes and made full use of their favourable tie away from home. A late Phil Foden goal in the Danish capital has left City in total control.
Thus, Pep Guardiola has the luxury to rotate his starting lineup from Sunday's Manchester derby triumph in which Mancunian Foden emerged as the hero.
Here's how a shuffled City could line up against FC Copenhagen on Wednesday night.
Man City predicted lineup vs FC Copenhagen
GK: Ederson - The Brazilian's clean sheet was swiftly dashed by Marcus Rashford on Sunday and he'll be hoping for a serene outing in midweek.
CB: Kyle Walker - Walker's form has been haphazard in 2024 and another rest could be in the offing. However, it wouldn't be a surprise if the veteran defender keeps his place.
CB: Ruben Dias - The Portuguese defender hasn't enjoyed the best of campaigns and Guardiola will need the very best of his on-field general for the run-in.
CB: Josko Gvardiol - Gvardiol was back on the bench at the weekend following a brief injury absence. Nathan Ake has been excellent as of late and the Dutchman could earn a rest.
CM: Rodri - City's immovable force will retain his place at the base of midfield.
CM: Manuel Akanji - With Guardiola likely to offer John Stones more respite ahead of Sunday's trip to Anfield, Akanji could find himself in the middle of the park again despite often struggling in the role this term.
RM: Bernardo Silva - Silva was on the scoresheet in Copenhagen and will be tasked with playing a typical Guardiola winger role in midweek. Plenty of control.
CM: Julian Alvarez - The Argentine is one of ten players to score four Champions League goals this season and should get the chance to add to his tally on Wednesday having come off the bench on Sunday.
CM: Mateo Kovacic - The former Chelsea midfielder was an unused substitute for the derby, but Kovacic has nonetheless been impressive in recent outings.
LM: Jeremy Doku - Foden could be an option with Jack Grealish injured, but the former is more likely to be rested ahead of the weekend's crunch encounter. Thus, Doku will be weaving his magic down City's left.
ST: Erling Haaland - Having topped the competition's scoring charts last season, Haaland has five Champions League goals to his name this time around - the joint-most. He eventually got his goal on Sunday after missing an absolute sitter.
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