Manchester City will look to clinch their place at the top of the group standings when they host Hoffenheim at the Etihad Stadium tonight.
The Sky Blues are coming on the back of a hugely disappointing defeat to Chelsea last weekend and a win could be imperative as they aim to get back to winning ways. But, it surely won’t be easy against a spirited Hoffenheim side, who had troubled the Premier League giants in the reverse fixture.
Manchester City team news
Pep Guardiola has been dealt with a long injury list ahead of the clash. Sergio Aguero, Kevin de Bruyne, Danilo, Fernandinho as well as David Silva will all miss out tomorrow although Aguero is likely to return to the side at the weekend.
Benjamin Mendy, Claudio Bravo and Eliaquim Mangala are among the other absentees for the Citizens while Oleksandr Zinchenko is also doubtful.
Predicted Manchester City lineup vs Hoffenheim
Defence
With Bravo injured, Ederson will continue between the sticks for Manchester City this week. The Brazilian needs to improve following an indifferent display against Chelsea last weekend.
A long injury list means that Guardiola’s possible rotation policy will be restricted. Thus, Kyle Walker will retain his place in the right back position while Fabian Delph, despite putting in an error-strewn display against Chelsea, will continue to feature as the left back.
Veteran defender Vincent Kompany will return to the starting lineup, however, and he might start alongside Aymeric Laporte in central defence. The Frenchman lost his first league match in a City shirt and will look to bounce back on a personal level with an assured display and a clean sheet.
Midfield
Fernandinho’s injury will allow Ilkay Gundogan to start as the main holding midfielder, who will be tasked with the responsibility of orchestrating the game throughout the evening. He will be deployed alongside Bernardo Silva and local boy Phil Foden in the midfield of Manchester City’s 4-3-3.
Foden appeared as a late substitute against Chelsea but will be given a huge opportunity against Hoffenheim as he still seeks for that one big performance to kickstart his first team career. He has recently signed a contract extension till 2024 and a goal would be the perfect way to celebrate the occasion.
Attack
The City attack will be led by Gabriel Jesus, who will fill in for the injured Sergio Aguero. His tenacity and pressing will allow the wide players in Raheem Sterling and Riyad Mahrez to become more expressive on the far side as they aim to provide adequate support to the Brazilian international.
We may see Leroy Sane being introduced later in the game but he is unlikely to start following a disappointing game against the Blues.
