As Manchester City have already topped their Champions League group ahead of their clash against Red Star Belgrade, we have predicted Pep Guardiola to put out a rotated lineup for Wednesday’s contest.
In our view, the Spaniard could ring in six changes from his XI that beat Luton Town 2-1 on Sunday.
Manchester City predicted lineup vs Red Star Belgrade
Considering it was reported that Ederson Moraes missed Tuesday’s training session due to illness, Stefan Ortega looks set to start in goal against Red Star Belgrade, as per our predicted lineup.
The Brazilian is not a part of the Sky Blues’ travelling squad (via the club’s official website) for the encounter, which more or less confirms Ortega’s starting berth.
Rico Lewis could come into the side at right-back, with Kyle Walker being handed a rare breather this season.
The same goes for Ruben Dias, with John Stones potentially taking his place as his side’s right-sided centre-half, especially after his late cameo against Luton Town.
With Pep Guardiola claiming in late November that the injury-prone Nathan Ake “cannot play every three days”, Manuel Akanji seems set to displace him in the centre of defence, according to our Manchester City predicted lineup to face Red Star Belgrade.
After an encouraging display at left-back against Luton Town, Josko Gvardiol could retain his place in the XI.
Rodri, on the other hand, could be handed a precautionary rest, due to his much-discussed importance to the Sky Blues, with Mateo Kovacic dropping deeper to operate as a defensive midfielder.
With the Spanish international being benched, Matheus Nunes, who has come on as a late substitute in his previous two outings could end up starting proceedings.
While rotation and an injury have meant the £53 million (Sky Sports) man is yet to have a blockbuster start to life at the Etihad Stadium, he has a chance of making an impression on Wednesday.
Similarly, to Rodri, Pep Guardiola may choose not to risk any potential injury when it comes to Bernardo Silva. As a result, young Oscar Bobb could make his first start in the Champions League on the right wing, as per our Manchester City predicted lineup to feature against Red Star Belgrade.
As Phil Foden turned heads with his showing as a No.10 against Luton Town, he could be given another chance to prove his worth in his natural position.
Jack Grealish, who stepped up with a vital goal against the Hatters also looks likely to start on the left flank.
With Erling Haaland set to recover from his injury on Thursday, according to Pep Guardiola, it is tough to look past Julian Alvarez as the treble-winners’ lone striker at the Rajko Mitic Stadium.
Manchester City predicted lineup vs Red Star Belgrade: Ortega, Lewis, Stones, Akanji, Gvardiol, Kovacic, Nunes, Bobb, Foden, Grealish, Alvarez
