Despite Manchester City beating Borussia Dortmund 2-1 in Wednesday’s Champions League clash, Pep Guardiola could ring the changes ahead of Saturday afternoon’s trip to face Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Erling Haaland’s place in the side should be safe after he scored his 13th goal in nine games, but the same can’t be said about City’s wide forwards who underperformed against Dortmund and were substituted.
Guardiola must also decide whether to put a square peg in a round hole at right-back and whether to hand a rare start to a young attacker.
Where will Manchester City finish in the Premier League this season?
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
5th or lower
Ederson hasn’t been at his complete best this season, but he isn’t at risk of losing his place. John Stones scored from right-back against Dortmund and might keep his place in the makeshift role with Kyle Walker an injury doubt. Joao Cancelo should then start at left-back and will have a task to keep Pedro Neto quiet.
Nathan Ake impressed against Dortmund, so it would be a shock if Guardiola dropped him against Wolves. Manuel Akanji partnered the Dutchman on Wednesday, but Ruben Dias might get the nod on Saturday.
Rodri is a shoo-in to start in a deep-lying midfield role as Kalvin Phillips isn’t believed to be fully fit. Kevin De Bruyne will be slightly advanced and may be partnered with Bernardo Silva rather than Ilkay Gundogan who didn’t really impress in midweek.
Riyad Mahrez could be dropped after a poor performance against Dortmund, so Julian Alvarez could be given only his second start for City. Jack Grealish didn’t perform well in midweek either, so Phil Foden could return to the lineup. Haaland is sure to start after scoring on Wednesday.
Predicted XI v Wolves: Ederson; Stones, Dias, Ake, Cancelo, Rodri, De Bruyne, Silva, Alvarez, Haaland, Foden
In other news, a talkSPORT pundit criticises Jack Grealish
Can you name these Man City players from the 2000s? Test your knowledge, take the quiz and challenge your friends and family to beat your score