Defending English Premier League giants Manchester City are off to a great start in defending their title.
Pep Guardiola’s side have won eight of their first eleven games in the EPL. With twenty-six points, they are just two points behind league leaders Arsenal.
The Citizens have also done well in the UEFA Champions League. They have won three of their first four games and have collected ten points. Thus, City has already qualified for the round of 16 of the European competition. He will now face Borussia Dortmund in his next outing. Even a draw from this match will help Manchester City claim Group G.
Before the important meeting, let’s take a look at how Manchester City can line up against the German giants.
Manchester City starting eleven
Pep Guardiola will once again use his typical 4-3-3 setup. Brazilian goalkeeper Ederson will keep his place under the bar. The City goalkeeper has been in top form all season. He provided another assist in his last game against Brighton.
Manchester City defender Aymeric Laporte made his first Premier League start since returning from injuries last weekend. There are concerns about his physical condition. For his part, left-back Sergi Gómez is suspended after receiving a red card in the last match against Copenhagen.
Ruben Dias and Nathan Ake will start at the heart of City’s defence. Manuel Akanji will play as a makeshift right back to make room for Joao Cancelo in his reverse left back position. John Stones has also recovered and could appear at some point in this game.
Spain international Rodri will start at the base of midfield. Manchester City captain Gundogan is expected to appear in the starting eleven against his former team. Gundogan’s tremendous work rate and defensive solidarity can be very valuable to the Citizens.
Belgium international Kevin de Bruyne will complete the midfield three. De Bruyne scored a great goal in the last game against Brighton and it is City’s biggest creative outlet. Guardiola will once again trust the Belgian to bring creativity.
England international Jack Grealish is expected to start on the left flank, while compatriots Phil Foden may play on the right flank. Meanwhile, former Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland will lead the lines.
Since joining City at the start of the season, Erling Haaland has become the most important player in Pep Guardiola’s team. The Norwegian scored an acrobatic goal in his last match against Dortmund. He will once again be looking to find the back of the net against his former team in the next match.
Complete line
Goalkeeper: Edison
Defenders: Akanji, Dias, Ake, Cancelo
Midfielders: De Bruyne, Rodri, Gundogan
Forwards: Foden, Haaland Grealish
