90min

The Man City Lineup That Should Start Against Marseille

By Jamie Spencer

Phil Foden could start for Man City against Marseille
Phil Foden could start for Man City against Marseille / James Williamson - AMA/Getty Images
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Manchester City go into their final Champions League group game this week knowing that they are already assured of a place in the last 16 and have also secured top spot.

Pep Guardiola has stressed in the build up to this one that he doesn’t ‘rest’ players and would have faith that anyone he picks to start is good enough to also start the Manchester derby on Saturday.

But with City having the capability to dip into a deep squad and rotate players, having been in action twice a week, it would probably be amiss not to make at least a few changes.

1. Goalkeepers & Defenders

Zack Steffen could make a rare appearance
Zack Steffen could make a rare appearance / Quality Sport Images/Getty Images

Zack Steffen (GK): The American has been promoted to second choice this season and has played in Carabao Cup games so far when usual number one Ederson has been rested.

Joao Cancelo (RB): Could keep his place after swapping back over to the right, although Kyle Walker is another option for Guardiola to bring back into the fold.

Eric Garcia (CB): Proving a reliable rotation option for Premier League and Champions League games. These opportunities could be vital if City are to convince him to stay.

Aymeric Laporte (CB): The Frenchman has been in and out of the team this season and has only been an unused substitute for each of the last three Champions League matchdays.

Oleksandr Zinchenko (LB): Rotating Benjamin Mendy out to preserve his fitness and getting the versatile Ukrainian some minutes after precious little domestic involvement seems wise.

2. Midfielders

Bernardo Silva is yet to score or assist this season
Bernardo Silva is yet to score or assist this season / Quality Sport Images/Getty Images

Fernandinho (CM): It’s been a stop-start season for the long-serving veteran and this contest offers minutes to build on his last start against Porto.

Ilkay Gundogan (CM): It would be logical to keep the German international alongside Fernandinho and rest Rodri, who has started 16 of City’s 17 games in all competitions this season.

Bernardo Silva (AM): Has been benched for the last two Premier League games, yet has started each of the last two in Europe. A chance to get his first goal or assist of the season.

3. Forwards

City fans will expect to see Phil Foden return to the starting XI
City fans will expect to see Phil Foden return to the starting XI / Quality Sport Images/Getty Images

Ferran Torres (RW): Could return to the starting XI after sitting out the weekend win over Fulham. Has already scored three times in the Champions League this season.

Gabriel Jesus (ST): Sergio Aguero might be fit enough to return to the bench, but for now it is another important opportunity for the developing Brazilian to keep starting.

Phil Foden (LW): The youngster’s omission from Premier League XIs in recent weeks has been a source of confusion. He has, however, regularly started in Europe.

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