Man City have surprisingly lost their previous two matches, first getting knocked out of the Carabao Cup and then losing 2-0 to Crystal Palace in the Premier League. And next up, they face another tricky encounter in the form of a UCL game vs Club Brugge.
On paper, Manchester City are the favourites to pick up a win on Wednesday but Brugge are unbeaten in their previous five away matches while Pep Guardiola’s side haven’t scored in their previous two matches.
This is nowhere close to a crisis situation for Man City but still, the players will be looking to get back on track asap so we can expect a major onslaught from the Cityzens in midweek.
The lack of a quality striker seems to be finally catching with Pep Guardiola but the manager has no other option but to keep using a false-nine as Ferran Torres is out injured.
We expect him to rotate his squad against Club Brugge so that he can rest a few of his regular starters before next weekend’s key league game against Manchester United.
Man City team news vs Club Brugge:
Aymeric Laporte picked up a red card against Crystal Palace meaning he will be unavailable for the Man United game. This is why the defender will be used against Brugge so that John Stones remains fully fit to partner Ruben Dias next weekend.
With Stones not expected to start, Nathan Ake is going to be the other centre-back. Cancelo will also move to the bench with Zinchenko coming into the side.
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Fernandinho’s age means he is being used really tactfully and this week’s game could be the ideal one to start him in defensive midfield.
De Bruyne had an underwhelming game on Saturday and Man City looked really toothless in attack. This clearly goes to show how important he is to Pep Guardiola’s attacking plans.
Bernardo Silva though is going to move to the bench, making way for Ilkay Gundogan.
Riyad Mahrez and Raheem Sterling came off the bench during the weekend but only one of them will be lucky enough to get a start against Club Brugge. If Jack Grealish holds onto his spot then Gabriel Jesus
The fact that Ferran Torres is out injured means Phil Foden will have to continue to play as the false-nine.
Man City predicted line up vs Club Brugge:
Predicted Line up(4-3-3): Ederson; Laporte, Ake/Stones, Walker, Zinchenko; Fernandinho, De Bruyne, Gundogan; Foden, Sterling, Mahrez.
Stats via Fotmob.
