Up next for Manchester City is a trip to the Parken Stadium to take on FC Copenhagen. The game is the first leg of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16. Pep Guardiola’s side will travel to Denmark on the back of 10 consecutive wins in all competitions after their weekend win over Everton.
While the European champions are overwhelming favourites for the tie Jacob Neestrup’s side will be a tough nut to crack, especially at home. A tricky test awaits the world champions at the Parken Stadium.
Team news
Manchester City travelled to Copenhagen without the services of Mateo Kovacic, Josko Gvardiol and Sergio Gomez. The trio weren’t named in City’s travelling squad for the trip to Denmark.
Confirmed travelling squad for our #UCL match against Copenhagen! 📋
Learn more ⤵️
— Manchester City (@ManCity) February 12, 2024
Pep Guardiola didn’t provide an update on the injury status of the trio during his pre-game press conference. The City boss wasn’t asked pre-game about the status of Kovacic, Gvardiol and Gomez.
The champions still travel to Copenhagen with a strong squad to choose from despite their absence. Below is the predicted Manchester City starting eleven for the crucial first leg of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 tie.
Predicted Manchester City starting eleven
Ederson: An obvious selection in goal. He will have a crucial role to play in goal for Pep Guardiola’s side.
Kyle Walker: City’s captain made an immediate impact when introduced against Everton. His pace at the back will be required against FC Copenhagen.
Ruben Dias: The treble winner’s defensive leader has returned to his best form recently. Appears an obvious selection.
John Stones: He was in superb form against Everton. Stones makes Manchester City a better team and will likely start here.
Nathan Ake: The Dutch international has become an automatic selection. With Gvardiol and Sergio Gomez unavailable, he appears certain to start at left-back.
Rodri: City’s midfield general will have a vital role to play. His ability to dictate midfield will be crucial at the Parken Stadium.
Bernardo Silva: With Mateo Kovacic unavailable and Matheus Nunes below his best against Everton, it would seem that Bernardo Silva will line up in midfield with Rodri.
Phil Foden: Another automatic selection. While other players got the headlines last weekend he was brilliant against Everton and should start here.
Kevin De Bruyne: The Manchester City legend continued his strong form off the bench against Everton. That performance should see him start against Jacob Neestrup’s side.
Jack Grealish: The England international put in a promising cameo against Sean Dyche’s side. With Guardiola’s challenge ringing in his ears tonight’s game could be the ideal platform for Grealish to make a mark.
Erling Haaland: Fresh off a brace against Everton it does appear to be a no-brainer to see Haaland start against FC Copenhagen.
