As Manchester City gear themselves up to face Urawa Red Diamonds in the Club World Cup semi-final, we have predicted their potential starting lineup for the clash.
Pep Guardiola could make seven changes to his side after drawing 2-2 to Crystal Palace on Saturday.
Manchester City predicted lineup vs Urawa Red Diamonds
Ederson Moraes could likely be benched, with Stefan Ortega being handed a chance to be the No.1 on Tuesday, according to our Manchester City predicted lineup to feature against Urawa Red Diamonds.
Having played the most number of minutes out of any player in City’s squad this season, as per FbRef, Kyle Walker could be replaced by Rico Lewis at right-back, after he started in midfield against Crystal Palace.
With John Stones surprisingly not starting against Palace, he could displace Ruben Dias at the back.
It is key for the £47.5 million (Guardian) man to get more minutes under his belt, having recently returned from injury.
The same goes for Manuel Akanji, who could also take Nathan Ake’s place in the side.
At left-back, Josko Gvardiol could be handed a rest, with Sergio Gomez potentially starting for Manchester City, as per our predicted lineup to go toe-to-toe with Urawa Red Diamonds.
Much like in the Sky Blues’ recent 3-2 win against Red Star Belgrade, Pep Guardiola could also rest Rodri and opt for Mateo Kovacic to screen the back four in his absence.
With Rico Lewis potentially set to play at right-back, Bernardo Silva, who started on the right wing against the Eagles could take his place in the middle of the park.
The youngster was lauded by Ian Holloway for his sparkling performance against Crystal Palace, who described him as “absolutely brilliant” as he also managed to score his first Premier League goal.
Phil Foden, who showed his class as a No.10 in his side’s previous encounter could also make way for Matheus Nunes, who was in terrific touch against Red Star recently.
Oscar Bobb’s brilliant displays in the first-team this season could be rewarded, with him potentially lining up as a right-winger in the Club World Cup semi-final.
The in-form Jack Grealish, recently hailed as “top-drawer” by Tim Sherwood, on the other hand, seems likely to start after his bright display against Crystal Palace, according to our Manchester City predicted lineup to face Urawa Red Diamonds.
Julian Alvarez, who has failed to score in his two previous league starts will be hoping to get a goal against the Japanese side.
Manchester City predicted lineup vs Urawa Red Diamonds: Ortega, Lewis, Stones, Akanji, Gomez, Kovacic, Bernardo Silva, Nunes, Bobb, Grealish, Alvarez
