Manchester City will look to flex their muscles in the Champions League on Wednesday evening when they host FC Copenhagen at the Etihad Stadium.
The Sky Blues are flying this season, unbeaten in nine games across all competitions thus far. They will be fresh from their emphatic 6-3 derby day victory over Manchester United, with Erling Haaland and Phil Foden scoring hat-trick apiece.
With six points amassed from their opening two Champions League group stage games, Pep Guardiola’s side can virtually book their place in the knockout rounds with a win over Danish champions FC Copenhagen.
Manchester City Team News
Manchester City duo Rodri and John Stones were both absent from Sunday’s derby win over Man United due to injury, while Kyle Walker was forced off with knee discomfort in the first half. Stones is ruled out with a hamstring injury, with both Walker and Rodri big doubts against FC Copenhagen.
Meanwhile, Kalvin Phillips remains a long-term absentee having had successful shoulder surgery.
Predicted Man City Lineup vs FC Copenhagen (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper
Ederson is a certainty to start in goal for the Sky Blues. He will be aiming to keep a clean sheet against the Danish side.
Defence
Manuel Akanji has seemingly fitted into the Man City side following his summer move from Borussia Dortmund. The Swiss is expected to keep his place in defence, but could see a change in his partner with fit-again Aymeric Laporte replacing Nathan Ake.
Joao Cancelo is set to switch to right-back in the absence of Walker, while Sergi Gomez will be pushing to start at left-back after coming on as a substitute in the Manchester derby.
Midfield
With Rodri a big doubt and Kalvin Phillips ruled out for the long term, Ilkay Gundogan should retain his place in a deeper midfield role. Gundogan is likely to be joined by Kevin de Bruyne and Bernardo Silva in City’s engine room, with De Bruyne and Silva operating as the creative forces.
De Bruyne is in rollicking form this season, and his late driving runs into the box along with Silva’s guile will be key in unlocking the Copenhagen defence on Wednesday.
Attack
Erling Haaland continues to be City’s main man up front. He will be eager to continue his brilliant goalscoring form having bagged a hat-trick against Man United.
Haaland could be joined by Phil Foden and Riyad Mahrez in City’s forward line. Fresh from his hat-trick in the Mancunian derby, Foden will be chomping at the bit to get on the scoresheet again while Mahrez starts on the right flank.