Coming off the back of their thrilling 3-3 draw against Newcastle, Manchester City are now set to face Barcelona in a charity friendly.
The contest - which will be held at the Spotify Camp Nou - has been promoted by former Spanish goalkeeper Juan Carlos Unzue, who was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) two years ago.
The clash between the two sides has been organised to raise awareness and funds about the rare disease.
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With both Manchester City and Barcelona drawing one out of their last two games each, an interesting contest is in store as both sides will likely be rotated teams.
In what is undoubtedly a clash held for a crucial cause, here is how we expected Pep Guardiola’s side to line up on Wednesday night.
Predicted Team
Stefan Ortega is likely to make a return to the side from Manchester City’s pre-season tour of the United States.
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After making his Premier League debut against Bournemouth, Rico Lewis - who clearly seems to be admired by Pep Guardiola - could start at the Spotify Camp Nou.
Finley Burns could also make his first start for Manchester City, ever since his outing in the senior team’s 6-1 victory against Wycombe Wanderers last season.
The youngster may be partnered by Luke Mbete, who has been a regular fixture in the Sky Blues’ matchday squads so far this term.
The Premier League champions’ newest addition, Sergio Gomez could also start proceedings against his former side at left-back.
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Returning from a minor knock to Pep Guardiola’s squad for his side’s 3-3 draw against Newcastle United, Kalvin Phillips is likely to replace Rodri in defensive midfield.
After starting his first game of the new season, Bernardo Silva could be in for yet another start to ensure he gains rhythm, up against the side that he has been touted to join in recent weeks.
Much like Kalvin Phillips, Cole Palmer has also recently recovered from an injury worry, and could be slotted into the side as an attacking midfielder.
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With Riyad Mahrez starting just one out of the three matches this season, he could be in line to face Barcelona.
Considering Pep Guardiola implied that Jack Grealish had suffered a minor injury, he could be drafted into the starting XI against Xavi’s side on the left wing.
Julian Alvarez looks nailed on for a start on Wednesday evening, replacing Erling Haaland in the side.
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Starting XI: Stefan Ortega Moreno; Rico Lewis, Finley Burns, Luke Mbete, Sergio Gomez; Kalvin Phillips, Bernardo Silva, Cole Palmer; Riyad Mahrez, Julian Alvarez, Jack Grealish.
Substitutes: Ederson, Scott Carson, Kyle Walker, Joao Cancelo, John Stones, Ruben Dias, Rodri, Ilkay Gundogan, Oscar Bobb, Kevin De Bruyne, Phil Foden, Erling Haaland, Ben Knight.
Topics: Julian Alvarez, Manchester City, Barcelona, Premier League, La Liga, Football
Srinivas Sadhanand