Manchester City have hit the ground running in the Premier League this season and Pep Guardiola’s men currently sit atop the standings with 19 points from their first seven games.
City have stamped their authority in the early stages but the fact that they are yet to face some of the top teams can be raised to debate their supremacy. However, few can argue that they have played one of the most attractive brands of football in England.
The Cityzens continued their dominance with a comprehensive 2-0 win over Brighton and Hove Albion this weekend but Pep Guardiola will have his work cut out when they make the trip to Germany to face Hoffenheim.
City should be the hot favourites to come away with all three points but it will be interesting to see how Guardiola inspires his team to deliver the goods after a 2-1 home defeat at the hands of Lyon on matchday one of the Champions League.
Kevin De Bruyne and Benjamin Mendy continue their recovery from injuries while Sergio Aguero’s selection will be based on a late fitness test before the game.
Ederson Moraes (GK)
The Brazilian has done a good job between the sticks this season and should start on Tuesday.
Kyle Walker (RB)
The English international had a solid defensive outing against Brighton and Guardiola shouldn’t have any reason to bench him.
The Argentine has proved his worth in City’s backline with his strength and game-reading ability and must start in the Champions League.
His solid displays in the heart of the defence and impressive ball distribution skills should earn him a spot ahead of Vincent Kompany.
He did a better job defensively when compared to Fabian Delph and looked lively while going up front. Guardiola should persist with him for the Champions League tie.
The diminutive Spaniard put in a much-improved performance against Brighton and created a lot of openings with his passing and vision. He should start on Tuesday.
He has been influential in the attacking third and was City’s standout performer on matchday one. Guardiola should hand him another start.
The Brazilian has been rock-solid in front of the defenders and should start on Tuesday.
He showed good pace and agility to score the goal from Sane’s cross last weekend and should start in the Champions League as he is arguably the best winger in City’s ranks.
The German has found his golden touch after being reinstated in the first-team line-up and tormented Brighton’s defence with some lung-busting runs. Guardiola should persist with him in the starting XI.
Gabriel Jesus (ST)
He hasn’t been particularly sharp this season but Sergio Aguero might be forced to start from the bench due to an injury.
