Predicted Manchester City XI to face Lyon: Who should start?

Manchester City and Lyon will go head-to-head in the Champions League’s Group F opener on Wednesday. Both the teams must aim to begin their European adventure on a positive note.

Pep Guardiola’s men looked impressive in their European campaign last season, before losing out to eventual runners-up Liverpool in the quarter-finals. Although the Sky Blues have established themselves as powerhouses in the Premier League, the Champions League trophy has somehow eluded City. In fact, their best performance was reaching the semi-finals in the 2015/16 edition.

City are among the only three teams to remain unbeaten in the ongoing season of the Premier League, the other two being Chelsea and Liverpool. They are in red-hot form, having scored 14 goals from their first five top-flight games and Guardiola must carry his domestic run of form into the Champions League.

Team News

Sergio Aguero played against Fulham over the weekend but is doubtful for Champions League opener due to an ankle injury. Benjamin Mendy might miss the game owing to a knee injury. Although both injuries aren’t serious, Guardiola must avoid risking his first-team players.

Kevin de Bruyne and Claudio Bravo will be unavailable for selection due to long-term injuries.

Predicted 4-3-3 Manchester City XI to face Lyon

Manager: Pep Guardiola

Formation: 4-3-3

Ederson Moraes (GK)

Perhaps the best sweeper-keeper around, the Brazilian was at the top of his game against Fulham and made some key saves. He is City’s only realistic choice between the sticks.

Kyle Walker (RB)

The English international scored a screamer against Newcastle United and followed it up with another solid performance against Fulham. He should start against Lyon.

Nicolas Otamendi (CB)

The Argentine international made his first appearance in of the season against Fulham and was rock-solid at the back. He dominated the opposition with his strength and Guardiola should hand him another start ahead of John Stones.

Aymeric Laporte (CB)

The Frenchman has looked calm and composed at the back and there is no reason why Guardiola should replace him.

Fabian Delph (LB)

The English international was impressive against Fulham with his tackling, running and passing. He is the best alternative that City have in Mendy’s absence.

Bernardo Silva (RM)

The Portuguese international showed some brilliant individual skills and linked play effectively with his teammates. He should be the key man for Manchester City.

Fernandinho (CDM)

The Brazilian was impressive with his tackles and interceptions and provided the cross for Leroy Sane to open the scoring against Fulham. Should start ahead of Ilkay Gundogan.

David Silva (LM)

The diminutive Spaniard was a lively presence in City’s attacking third and got his name on the scoresheet. He should be deployed as the playmaker against Lyon.

Raheem Sterling (RW)

The English international showed good pace and a commendable work rate against Fulham, before getting a well-deserved goal. He is one of the key cogs in City’s engine.

Leroy Sane (LW)

The German made his first start of the season against Fulham and scored the opening goal. He was impressive in a wide role down the left and Guardiola should hand him another start.

Read More: Forget it Guardiola – Why Manchester City must retain this £90,000-a-week midfielder at all costs

Gabriel Jesus (ST)

Since Aguero is injured, Jesus must receive a start. He has misfired lately but hopefully, the Brazilian will come good against Lyon.