The Manchester City Lineup That Should Start Against Olympiacos
By Mitch Wilks
Manchester City host Olympiacos in Group C of the Champions League on Tuesday night, where another win would maintain their 100% record in the competition so far.
Pep Guardiola has been forced to contend with a mini injury crisis of late, leaving him without both Sergio Aguero and Gabriel Jesus in attack, as well as Fernandinho and Nathan Ake in defence.
It's left the Cityzens in weaker than usual stead despite their squad depth and has allowed for some poor results to creep in domestically. They're yet to find that awe-inspiring cutting edge so far this season, but another European win would suffice at this stage of proceedings.
With a few key players rested and heading back into the fold ahead of Tuesday's clash, here's how they should line up.
1. Goalkeeper and Defenders
Ederson (GK) - The Brazilian is the undisputed number one and not only key to City's defensive fortunes, but also starting attacks with his freakishly good distribution.
Kyle Walker (RB) - Bagged a goal at the weekend and has found his best form again this season. An experienced head is an invaluable addition to the squad in this one.
Eric Garcia (CB) - Barcelona remain keen to take Garcia back to Spain, but he's a useful asset while City still have him. He's in for this one.
Nathan Ake (CB) - The Dutchman made the bench at the weekend thus needs to start here to find some match sharpness. He needs a good outing to show he's capable of rotating with Ruben Dias and Aymeric Laporte.
Oleksandr Zinchenko (LB) - No Benjamin Mendy means the Ukrainian starts in order to give Joao Cancelo a rest.
2. Midfielders
Ilkay Gundogan (DM) - Again, resting is crucial here. Rodri needs a break to keep things fresh; this is the perfect game for Gundogan to come in and prove his worth.
Phil Foden (CM) - The 20-year-old has stepped up in the absence of David Silva and already chipped in with three goals and two assists in all competitions this season. Keeping him on his toes is getting the best out of him for now.
Kevin De Bruyne (CM) - If you don't need to, then you don't drop your best player. De Bruyne is needed to pull the strings from deep against a likely resilient defence.
3. Forwards
Bernardo Silva (RW) - Riyad Mahrez hasn't been at his best in recent weeks, thus the Portugal international has his chance to supplement the attack in a more advanced role. His creativity and energy will be important in this one.
Ferran Torres (ST) - The 20-year-old has stepped up to the plate well as City's makeshift striker. It's testament to his abilities and points his signing being a potential bargain, given the club paid (only) £20.8m for his services.
Raheem Sterling (LW) - His nimble footwork and sharp finishing touch will be key to unlocking a tightly-packed away defence. Sterling will cause Olympiacos a big headache and has to start.
