Manchester City take on Young Boys in the UEFA Champions League this evening. The game is an opportunity for the European champions to make it three wins from three and seize control of Group G. A test awaits facing Young Boys at the Wankdorf Stadium. The Swiss champions will have a vocal home ground behind them as they look to upset the treble winners.
1. How will City handle the artificial surface?
Pep Guardiola raised concerns with the artificial surface at the Wankdorf Stadium. In his pre-game press conference, the City manager raised the issue. City changed their usual travel routine to give the players a chance to adjust to the pitch at the Wankdorf Stadium.
How the City squad adapt to a new playing surface may dictate how the game goes. It is rare to see games at this level played on such surfaces so it will be something to watch for during the game.
2. Will Jack Grealish kick-start his season?
Another question heading into the game is will Jack Grealish start out wide on the left for Manchester City? The England international has made a slow start to this season as an injury cost him several weeks of the season so far.
Pep Guardiola defended Grealish pre-game and spoke of how important the winger is to his side. A Champions League night may be just the tonic for Jack Grealish to kick-start his season ahead of the weekend’s derby against Manchester United.
3. Will Pep Guardiola field a full-strength team ahead of the weekend’s derby?
The final thing to watch for is whether Pep field a full-strength team with the derby on the horizon.
The playing surface may become a factor in what lineup Guardiola goes with as Sunday’s derby is just around the corner. John Stones has just returned from injury and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him on the bench for this one given his importance to the City set-up.
Whatever side Guardiola puts out will be capable of getting the result, but it will be interesting to see if any players are rested with an eye on this weekend’s clash with Manchester United.
