Cole Palmer could be in line to start against Sevilla in Wednesday’s Champions League group game if he’s fit and available. Pep Guardiola is expected to ring the changes from Saturday’s 1-0 win over Leicester City, but Palmer didn’t make the matchday squad and no reason was given, so he might be a doubt.
Manchester City have already qualified for the knockout stages as group winners so they can afford to rest a number of first-team players with Saturday’s Premier League clash with Fulham in mind. If they better Arsenal’s result against Chelsea, they’ll go top.
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Palmer has made 10 appearances in all competitions this season, but he’s yet to score or make an assist. The majority of his outings have come from the bench, amassing just 165 minutes of football, so he will be desperate for a start.
Guardiola should reveal in Tuesday’s pre-match press conference if he’s fit enough. It would be bad luck to miss Wednesday’s game as he’d be a shoo-in to feature in some capacity due to the irrelevance of the result.
Palmer starting would allow a regular to be rested for the more important game on the weekend too.
Palmer was left out of the matchday squad once earlier in the season and returned days later, so he might not have an issue that threatens to keep him out against Sevilla. Fans will no doubt want to see him from the off Europe though, so time will tell what Guardiola says.
In other news, Pep Guardiola could start Man City player v Sevilla despite Dortmund disappointment
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