In our view, Manchester City could make wholesale changes to their side that features against Real Madrid in the second leg of the Champions League quarter-final.
Considering Pep Guardiola rotated his City team that destroyed Luton Town 5-1 on Saturday, it is only natural that he will play an XI much closer to full-strength for the clash on Wednesday.
So much so that Guardiola could make six changes to his side for the contest against the Spanish giants.
Manchester City predicted lineup vs Real Madrid
After Ederson returned to the fold for Manchester City on the weekend, he looks set to start against Real Madrid, as per our predicted lineup.
Rico Lewis could drop to the bench, as Pep Guardiola revealed that Kyle Walker feels much better after his recent hamstring injury and has a chance of starting as the game is a “final” in the manager’s eyes.
Manuel Akanji could also join Rico Lewis as a part of the substitutes at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday.
Pep Guardiola claimed that John Stones was “not injured” and had “some problems” but reassured that his fitness is not a worry and as a result, he could come to replace the Swiss defender in the side.
At left-back, Josko Gvardiol seems set to start against Real Madrid, as per our predicted Manchester City lineup, considering the rich vein of form he is in.
Mateo Kovacic deputised well in Rodri’s absence but the return to the team for the £62 million man after being rested on the weekend seems inevitable.
Similarly, Bernardo Silva also seems set to replace Matheus Nunes in the middle of the park.
After missing the first leg against Real Madrid due to being ill, Kevin De Bruyne seems like the first name on the team sheet for Manchester City ahead of the clash at the Etihad Stadium.
The Belgian is expected to start in his usual attacking midfield position, after putting in a display that was described as “off-the-charts good” against Luton by Don Hutchison.
Changes could also emerge on the flanks, with Julian Alvarez and Jeremy Doku losing their places in favour of the more experienced wide duo of Phil Foden and Jack Grealish respectively.
Erling Haaland, who has scored two goals in his last three appearances is set to retain his place for Manchester City against Real Madrid, as per our predicted lineup.
Manchester City predicted lineup vs Real Madrid: Ederson, Walker, Stones, Dias, Gvardiol, Rodri, Bernardo Silva, De Bruyne, Foden, Haaland, Grealish