Manchester City face Sporting Lisbon on Tuesday in a key Champions League fixture. And, the manager for Sporting is Ruben Amorim who will be the manager of Manchester United from November 11. So, even before the Manchester sides clash in the Premier League, Pep will have a chance to go against Amorim in this Sporting vs Man City game.
City head coach Pep Guardiola has selection issues, with five players set to miss the match due to injuries. Rodri and Oscar Bobb are already out with long-term injuries, while Jack Grealish, Ruben Dias, and John Stones are also sidelined. Guardiola welcomed back Kyle Walker, Jeremy Doku, Savinho, and Kevin De Bruyne in their recent 2-1 defeat to Bournemouth, but De Bruyne and Savinho did not play, raising doubts about their fitness for Tuesday’s Sporting vs Man City Champions League match.
READ MORE: Sporting CP vs Manchester City - Champions League: TV channel, prediction, team news and lineups
This leaves Guardiola with limited options, especially in defence in this Sporting vs Man City game. With a few regulars unavailable, here is the Man City predicted lineup vs Sporting for their Champions League fixture.
Manchester City predicted lineup vs Sporting - Champions League (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper: Ederson
Ederson remains the first choice in goal and is expected to start on Tuesday in this Sporting vs Man City game.
Right Back: Rico Lewis
Kyle Walker may be rested, giving Rico Lewis a chance to start in his place.
Centre Back: Manuel Akanji
Akanji should hold his place in the heart of City’s defence, bringing stability and strength.
Centre Back: Nathan Ake
Ake is expected to partner Akanji at centre back, given City’s limited options.
Left Back: Josko Gvardiol
Gvardiol is likely to start on the left side of defence, supporting both attack and defence in this Sporting vs Man City Champions League game.
Centre Midfielder: Bernardo Silva
Silva’s creativity and work rate will be key in City’s midfield as he looks to drive the team forward.
Centre Midfielder: Mateo Kovacic
Kovacic is expected to start in midfield, tasked with breaking up play and distributing the ball in this Sporting vs Man City Champions League fixture.
Centre Midfielder: Ilkay Gundogan
Gundogan brings experience to City’s midfield and should feature in this Champions League game.
Right Winger: Jeremy Doku
Doku could replace Phil Foden on the right wing, bringing fresh energy and creativity to the attack.
Centre Forward: Erling Haaland
Haaland will lead the line for City. He is just one goal or assist away from reaching 50 Champions League goal contributions, which would set an all-time record.
Left Winger: Matheus Nunes
Nunes has adapted well to his new role on the left and is expected to start in support of Haaland.
Man City predicted lineup vs Sporting Lisbon (4-3-3): Ederson; Lewis, Akanji, Ake, Gvardiol; Silva, Kovacic, Gundogan; Doku, Haaland, Nunes.
What is your Man City predicted lineup vs Sporting Lisbon for their Champions League fixture?