Manchester City are high on confidence following a thumping 5-0 victory over Premier League counterparts Liverpool, who have troubled them at Etihad in recent years. The Citizens, under Pep Guardiola, are now set to kickstart their Champions League campaign on Wednesday night against Eredivisie champions Feyenoord at De Kuip.
City have been drawn alongside Napoli, Feyenoord and Shakhtar Donetsk in Group F of the prestigious European footballing event and are the favourites to progress through to the knock-out rounds of the competition. They have built a strong squad and are one of the favourites to challenge for the title under the Spaniard, who has previously witnessed plenty of success in this tournament.
Manchester City do not have any major injury concerns ahead of their trip to Netherlands. Skipper Vincent Kompany, however, is set to remain sidelined after sustaining a calf injury during his international duty with Belgium. Custodian Ederson Moraes suffered a facial injury against Liverpool following a collision with Sadio Mane and was stretchered off the pitch. He is now back in training though, but it is doubtful if he’d start the game. Claudio Bravo is tipped to start between the sticks against Feyenoord.
The Chilean was brought in from Barcelona last season but lost his first-team status due to continuous erroneous displays. He started this season as second fiddle to Ederson, but the Brazilian’s injury against Liverpool will hand Bravo a start against Feyenoord following his substitute appearance against the Reds.
The Brazilian played on the right-hand side of Pep’s three-man back-line in the absence of skipper Vincent Kompany and had an impressive outing against the Reds. He is expected to retain his place.
The young Englishman had an unimpressive debut season following his move from Everton last summer. The player, however, did well in the middle of city’s ‘back three’ against Liverpool and should keep his place in the starting XI.
The Argentine international has been regular in City’s defence and will lead the back-line against Feyenoord.
The former Tottenham Hotspur full-back should continue in the wing-back role in order to help the attackers with his crosses and forward runs.
Fernandinho (CM)
The Brazilian works hard in the middle of the park to stretch the game with his passing skills. He is also hailed for his combativeness as he often screens his defence when required.
The Spanish playmaker is regarded for constructing attacks from midfield and linking up with fellow attackers with his movement, passing skill and vision.
The former Monaco left-back has already impressed with his link up play as well as crossing skills. The French international is expected to retain his place as well.
The Belgian was majestic against Liverpool and is arguably the most influential creative resource in Guardiola’s squad. He will be one of the first names on the teamsheet, who will trouble the hosts with his creativity, positioning and superlative range of passing.
Sane came on as a second half substitute against Liverpool and stole the limelight with a couple of goals. The young German winger is likely to be handed a start in the place of hitman Sergio Aguero.
The Brazilian youngster is enjoying a great scoring run since joining the Citizens back in January. He netted twice against Liverpool and should lead the line against Feyenoord on Wednesday night.
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