Predicted Man City XI to face Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League
Manchester City kept themselves atop the Premier League standings with an emphatic 5-0 win over Burnley on Saturday.
Pep Guardiola’s men have been in remarkable goalscoring form this season, having already scored 26 from nine games in the Premier League.
The Citizens suffered a 2-1 home defeat at the hands of Lyon in their Champions League opener but the 2-1 win over TSG Hoffenheim on matchday two should do a world of good to their European campaign.
However, Manchester City will have their work cut out when they travel to Ukraine to face Shakhtar Donetsk, who have managed two draws from their first two outings against Hoffenheim and Lyon.
Team News
Pep Guardiola will be buoyed by the return of star midfielder Kevin de Bruyne after spending two months on the sidelines.
However, he will be without the services of Eliaquim Mangala and Claudio Bravo who are yet to recover from their injuries. Danilo and Kyle Walker are doubtful to feature on Tuesday and their selection will be subject to a late fitness test.
Formation: 4-3-3
Manager: Pep Guardiola
Predicted XI
Ederson Moraes (GK)
The Brazilian did not have much to do against Burnley but has always been a reliable presence between the sticks.
John Stones (RB)
The absence of Kyle Walker and Danilo might force Guardiola to field the versatile Englishman in a full-back position.
Nicolas Otamendi (CB)
The Argentine has been authoritative at the back with his strength and should replace Vincent Kompany.
Aymeric Laporte (CB)
Had a relatively easy day against Burnley and should retain his place in the team.
Benjamin Mendy (LB)
He has been one of the standout performers for City this season and has contributed a lot to both the defence and the attack. Guardiola should hand him another start.
Fernandinho (CDM)
His physical presence, game-reading ability and aerial prowess are invaluable to the team and there is no reason why Guardiola should leave him out.
David Silva (LCM)
The Spaniard has been neat and tidy with his passing and has contributed a lot to the build-up play in the final third.
Kevin De Bruyne (RCM)
It will be interesting to see how the Belgian fares in his comeback game for the Cityzens. There is no bigger stage than the Champions League and Guardiola must bank on him to make a significant impact.
Raheem Sterling (RW)
Lively, energetic and impactful in the final third, Guardiola should hand him a start ahead of Riyad Mahrez.
Leroy Sane (LW)
He was one of the standout performers in City’s 2-1 win over Hoffenheim on matchday two and must start against Shakhtar Donetsk.
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Sergio Aguero (ST)
He hasn’t hit top gear in the Premier League but has managed to get his name on the scoresheet on a regular basis. He could play a key role once again on Tuesday.
