As Pep Guardiola prepares to host Red Star Belgrade in the Champions League opening group stage fixture, he has some rotational calls to make. With that in mind, here’s my Manchester City predicted lineup vs Red Star Belgrade.
Manchester City predicted lineup vs Red Star Belgrade
Starting off between the sticks is Stefan Ortega. Pep Guardiola is likely to use Ortega in the competition, as he has a seriously talented backup goalkeeper who might not get as many minutes in the Champions League. Therefore, while City are favourites, Ortega should start.
Big praise to Stefan Ortega for putting that pressure on Ederson to be better!🙌💙 pic.twitter.com/TXkEssrcV3
— JAMAL (@JamalMcfc) September 17, 2023
At right-back, I expect another rotation to be made and that is to grant Rico Lewis a Champions League start. Kyle Walker is in great form but as he’s ageing, resting him appropriately is important. It will be a centre back partnership of Manuel Akanji and Nathan Ake, allowing Dias to be rested and playing a solid and proven partnership. Then, it will be the attacking left-back choice of Sergio Gomez.
Starting in midfield is the best player for Manchester City currently and that is Rodri. Although he played against West Ham at the weekend, he’s someone who doesn’t even enter Pep’s mind when thinking about rotation. Partnering Rodri will be a full debut for Matheus Nunes, who impressed as a sub at the weekend. Bernardo Silva will also provide some attacking threat from midfield.
At right-wing, I expect Phil Foden to play again, as there isn’t much competition in this position and he will look to provide some creativity for Erling Haaland, who will lead the line. Out on the left will be the exceptional summer signing Jeremy Doku, who cooked against West Ham. Surely, this is a winning Man City team.
Manchester City predicted lineup vs Red Star Belgrade: Ortega, Lewis, Akanki, Ake, Gomez; Rodri, Nunes, Silva; Foden, Haaland, Doku
What’s your Manchester City predicted lineup vs Red Star Belgrade?