Coming off the back of a stellar 4-0 win against Southampton on Saturday afternoon, Manchester City will be feeling on top of the world as they prepare to face FC Copenhagen in the Champions League this week.
Considering Pep Guardiola’s side have only just seen themselves cruise past the Danish outfit in a 5-0 victory last week, their self-assuredness going into this fixture would be justified.
The same cannot be said for Jacob Neestrup’s side however, who are currently sitting at the bottom of Champions League Group G, seventh in the Danish Superliga, and have suffered successive defeats to Manchester City and Nordsjælland.
Advert
In what seems like a routine victory for the Sky Blues, here is how we expect them to line-up on Tuesday evening!
Predicted Team
As is the case for every UEFA Champions League fixture that has a competitive edge to it, Ederson will be the first name on the team sheet this week.
Advert
Joao Cancelo could be afforded a rare rest on Tuesday evening, keeping in mind Manchester City’s upcoming Premier League clash against Liverpool on Sunday afternoon, with Manuel Akanji retaining his place at right-back.
After being excluded from Pep Guardiola’s starting eleven against Southampton at the weekend, Aymeric Laporte looks set to return to the side once again.
Nathan Ake is likely to partner the Spanish international, following on from his commanding showing against the Saints.
Sergio Gomez has become somewhat of a regular fixture in the Champions League this season, and after shining against FC Copenhagen last Wednesday, he could be given yet another run-out this week.
Advert
Recently returning from a minor calf injury, Rodri could be given another chance to boost his match fitness against the Danish side.
After being benched against Southampton, Ilkay Gundogan looks set to slot straight back into the side.
With Kevin De Bruyne not starting in Europe in the previous encounter against the Danish Superliga outfit, Pep Guardiola could unleash the in-form midfielder this time around.
Advert
Much like in the case of Ilkay Gundogan, Jack Grealish - who put in a Man of the Match performance against FC Copenhagen last time around - could also be reinstated into the team.
Julian Alvarez could get his second successive start in the Champions League, following on from his first goal in the competition last week.
At this point, it is next to impossible for Erling Haaland not to start proceedings in any game, and we see that trend continuing at Parken this week.
Advert
Starting XI: Ederson; Manuel Akanji, Aymeric Laporte, Nathan Ake, Sergio Gomez; Rodri, Ilkay Gundogan, Kevin De Bruyne; Julian Alvarez, Erling Haaland, Jack Grealish.
Substitutes: Stefan Ortega Moreno, Scott Carson, Rico Lewis, Joao Cancelo, Ruben Dias, Josh Wilson-Esbrand, Bernardo Silva, Cole Palmer, Phil Foden, Riyad Mahrez.
Topics: Aymeric Laporte, Nathan Ake, Julian Alvarez, Manchester City, Premier League, Champions League, Football
Srinivas Sadhanand