Manchester City will take on Sporting Lisbon tonight in UEFA Champions League action. Pep Guardiola’s side will take on the Portuguese champions at the Estádio José Alvalade. A tough game awaits the world champions against Ruben Amorim’s side. Sporting will come into today’s game in sparkling form. The world champions are coming into tonight’s game off the back of back-to-back defeats to Tottenham and Bournemouth. A tough test against an in-form Sporting side awaits Manchester City tonight.
Latest Manchester City team news.
The world champions will be without 5 players for tonight’s match. Rodri, Oscar Bobb, Jack Grealish, Ruben Dias and John Stones will all miss tonight’s match due to injury.
Pep Guardiola told the media yesterday that his team is still dealing with a host of injury concerns. Manuel Akanji and Nathan Ake are dealing with minor issues but are available for tonight’s match. Kevin De Bruyne is making strides in his bid to return from a groin injury. That is welcome news for Manchester City. Kyle Walker is striving to return to full fitness after suffering a minor injury but is available for tonight’s match. Savinho and Jeremy Doku are also on the comeback trail from ankle and muscle issues, respectively.
Predicted City starting lineup
Stefan Ortega- Pep Guardiola declared pre-game that Stefan Ortega will start on goal for Manchester City.
Rico Lewis- Lewis was a late substitute against Bournemouth. His inclusion sparked Pep Guardiola’s side and I expect him to play at right-back tonight.
Manuel Akanji- Akanji, like Ake, is not at full fitness. But I expect him to start with Ruben Dias and John Stones unavailable.
Nathan Ake- In the same situation as Manuel Akanji. City’s injuries will likely see Ake start at centre-back.
Josko Gvardiol- The Croatian international has been ever present for the champions this season. He is almost an automatic selection at left-back based on his good performances this season.
Mateo Kovacic- Another player who is almost an automatic starter. Kovacic will have a key role to play tonight.
Bernardo Silva- I’m expecting Bernardo to start alongside Kovacic in midfield.
Phil Foden- Foden had an almost game against Bournemouth. He did look infinitely more dangerous when he shift into midfield during City’s defeat at the Vitality Stadium. I expect him to start in midfield tonight.
Jeremy Doku- He made a promising return in a cameo appearance against Bournemouth. His pace may be called upon tonight to help breakdown Ruben Amorim’s sides defence.
Matheus Nunes- The Portuguese international has been one of City’s best players in recent weeks. That form should see him start tonight.
Erling Haaland- Haaland was starved for service against Bournemouth and will be eager to get on the scoresheet tonight and help his team.
