How Can Manchester City Line Up Against Borussia Dortmund?
Pep Guardiola’s side have won eight out of their first eleven matches in the EPL. With twenty-six points, they are only two points behind league leaders Arsenal.
The Citizens have done well in the UEFA Champions League too. They have won three out of their first four matches and gathered ten points. Thus City have already qualified for the round of 16 of the European competition. They will now face Borussia Dortmund in their next outing. Even a draw from this match will help Manchester City to claim Group G.
Before the important encounter, let’s take a look at how Manchester City can line up against the German giants.
Pep Guardiola will once again use his typical 4-3-3 setup. Brazilian goalkeeper Ederson will keep his place under the bar. The City goalkeeper has been in fine form throughout the season. He dished another assist in their last match against Brighton.
Manchester City defender Aymeric Laporte got his first start in the Premier League since returning back from his injuries, in the last weekend. There are concerns about his fitness. Meanwhile, left-back Sergi Gomez is suspended after picking a red card in the last game against Copenhagen.
Ruben Dias and Nathan Ake will be starting at the heart of City defense. Manuel Akanji will play as a makeshift right-back to accommodate Joao Cancelo in his inverted left-back position. John Stones has also recovered and might feature at some point in this game.
Spanish International Rodri will start at the base of the midfield. Manchester City captain Gundogan is expected to feature in the starting eleven against his old team. Gundogan’s huge work rate and defensive solidarity can be very valuable for the Citizens.
Belgian International Kevin de Bruyne will complete the midfield three. De Bruyne scored a stunner in the last match against Brighton and is City’s biggest creative outlet. Guardiola will once again rely on the Belgian for providing creativity.
English international Jack Grealish is expected to start on the left wing while his countrymen Phil Foden can play on the right side. Meanwhile, former Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland is going to lead the lines.
Since joining City at the start of the season, Erling Haaland has become the most important player for Pep Guardiola’s side. The Norweigian scored an acrobatic goal in their last match against Dortmund. He will once again look to find the back of the net against his former team in the next match.
Goalkeeper: Ederson
Defenders: Akanji, Dias, Ake, Cancelo
Midfielders: De Bruyne, Rodri, Gundogan
Forwards: Foden, Haaland Grealish
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