Manchester City’s Champions League title defence resumes on Tuesday evening when they travel to the Parken Stadium to face FC Copenhagen in the last-16 first leg.
The Sky Blues brushed aside their opponents and topped Group G to set up a last-16 encounter with FC Copenhagen, who finished in second place behind Bayern Munich in Group A. A 3-2 win over Red Star Belgrade on the final matchday in Group G extended their winning run in the Champions League to eight games—the longest streak for an English side in the tournament’s history.
Since the nervy 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace at the Etihad Stadium, Pep Guardiola’s side have enjoyed a 10-game winning run across all competitions, briefly sitting at the summit of the Premier League following a 2-0 home win over Everton on Saturday.
Manchester City Team News
Manchester City travel to the Parken Stadium without a single injured or suspended player to rue the absence of, although Ruben Dias needs to be careful as he would miss the second leg of the last-16 tie if booked in Denmark.
Predicted Man City lineup vs FC Copenhagen (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper
Ederson is Man City’s undisputed No.1 and should start against FC Copenhagen at the Parken Stadium.
Defence
Pep Guardiola will stick to the 4-3-3 formation, with Ruben Dias primed to partner John Stones in the heart of Man City’s defence. Kyle Walker came off the bench against Everton at the weekend but is certain to start at right-back on Tuesday evening, while Josko Gvardiol seeks to displace Nathan Ake at left-back in the Man City lineup.
Midfield
In the centre of the park, Rodri will operate as the anchor for the visitors. The Spaniard is arguably the club’s most important player, making Guardiola’s system tick with his passing, reading of the game and defensive diligence.
In the engine room, Rodri will be accompanied by creative wizards Kevin de Bruyne and Bernardo Silva in the Man City lineup. De Bruyne and Silva will look to ensure they have the majority of the ball, dictate terms and create plenty of chances for the forwards.
Attack
Phil Foden is Man City’s most in-form player at the moment, making him an undisputed starter at the Parken Stadium. He will take up the right-wing spot, while Jeremy Doku hopes to impress on the night from the opposite flank in the Man City lineup.
Fresh from making it 50 goals in 50 Premier League starts with his game-winning brace against Everton on Saturday, Erling Haaland should lead the Man City attack against the Danish opponents. The Norwegian marksman will be hungry to get on the scoresheet again.
Jack Grealish, Matheus Nunes, Oscar Bobb and Julian Alvarez could enter the fray in the second half.