Manchester City will be aiming to advance to the Champions League quarter-finals on Wednesday evening when they welcome FC Copenhagen at the Etihad Stadium for the second leg of the last-16 tie.
The Sky Blues took control of the Champions League tie with a 3-1 win first-leg win over FC Copenhagen in Denmark last month. Since then, they have picked up 10 points from a possible 12 in the Premier League whilst advancing to the FA Cup quarter-finals with a 6-2 battering of Luton Town.
Pep Guardiola’s side earned the Manchester derby bragging rights by beating cross-town rivals Manchester United 3-1 at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, so confidence must be extremely high in the camp ahead of the home encounter against the Danish side.
Manchester City Team News
Jack Grealish has been ruled out for a few weeks with a groin problem suffered in the 6-2 win over Luton Town in the FA Cup. Josko Gvardiol returned to the matchday squad against Man United on Sunday afternoon but was an unused substitute.
For now, Manchester City don’t have any fresh injury concerns heading into the Champions League game.
Predicted Manchester City lineup vs FC Copenhagen (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper
Ederson has been a permanent fixture in the Man City goal for years. He is a sure-fix starter against the Danish side in midweek.
Defence
Pep Guardiola could revert to a 4-2-3-1 system here, with a couple of changes expected at the back. Josko Gvardiol, who returned back from injury on Sunday but was an unused substitute, could start at left-back. Kyle Walker should retain his right-back spot.
Man City’s defensive lynchpin, Ruben Dias will marshal his troops and keep things solid alongside Manuel Akanji in central defence.
Midfield
Rodri should sit at the base of City’s midfield and dictate the tempo of play. He could be partnered by Mateo Kovacic in the middle of the park, with John Stones dropping to the bench. The duo must look to take control of the game as quickly as possible and dominate the proceedings against FC Copenhagen. Julian Alvarez could get the nod to operate in the hole behind the striker.
Having played the full 90 minutes in the Manchester derby, Kevin de Bruyne is unlikely to start against Copenhagen due to his recent hamstring niggles. Pep Guardiola will manage the Belgian’s fitness and introduce him off the bench if required.
Attack
Fresh from an eye-catching brace against Man United, Phil Foden will aim to terrorise the Copenhagen defence from the right flank. Jeremy Doku endured a disappointing Manchester derby and was substituted early in the second half. The speedy Belgian, however, could be handed a start on the left flank.
Leading the City attack will be none other than Erling Haaland, who scored in the 3-1 win over Man United on Sunday.