Pep Guardiola and his team travel away to Switzerland on October 25 to face Young Boys at the Stadion Wankdorf. This is the Manchester City predicted lineup for the UEFA Champions League group stage matchup.
Manchester City Predicted Lineup vs Young Boys In Mismatched Affair
It’s #UCL time in Switzerland! 👊 pic.twitter.com/SUgL6CP3BH
— Manchester City (@ManCity) October 25, 2023
How Manchester City Have Lined-up Recently
Ederson is a staple in this Manchester City side – and has played all the recent Premier League and Champions League fixtures – the only exception coming in the last match as the Brazilian was tired from international duty.
Josko Gvardiol and Kyle Walker have been regulars, either as full-backs or wide centre-backs. Meanwhile, Manuel Akanji, Nathan Aké, and Ruben Dias have all rotated as centre-backs – with the Portuguese player slightly favoured.
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Similar to the defence, the midfield selection has also been inconsistent. Mateo Kovacic and Matheus Nunes had begun to feature more prominently – but the return of Rodri and John Stones (from respective suspensions and injuries) has displaced the duo from the side.
On the wings, Phil Foden and Jérémy Doku have earned consistent places in the starting lineup; Doku has looked electric on the left flank, creating the majority of City’s big chances. Bernardo Silva has also featured when the formation facilitates an extra attacker, whilst Jack Grealish has struggled to get minutes in recent weeks.
The two players that have been in the side every game recently are Julian Alvarez and Erling Haaland, with the latter playing more advanced. The duo have been the team’s top goal contributor this campaign. This could be the perfect opportunity to rest Haaland, previously described as “incredible.”
Manchester City Recent Form and Tactics
Guardiola is not a manager that sticks to his favoured tactics, formations, or players. The Spaniard frequently switches between systems to keep the opposition on their toes and unprepared.
City have played with a 3-2-4-1, a 4-3-3, and a 4-2-3-1 this season. These formations have been changed depending on the opposition and injuries. With the return of John Stones and Rodri, they should line up with a double pivot in the coming weeks – ruling out the 4-3-3.
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In terms of form, the treble winners have been underperforming. Three of their last five matches have been losses, including an embarrassing defeat to bottom-half Wolves. This is partially down to the absence of the suspended Rodri. The Sky Blues comfortably defeated RB Leipzig 3-1 in the Champions League (where Rodri’s suspension does not apply) and Brighton 2-1 in the Premier League on his return.
City appear to be back on form, and the three losses should be seen as a blip; the Arsenal game was a close contest decided by a deflected goal.
Manchester City Injuries to Consider
As previously mentioned, Ederson was rested for the fixture against Brighton. However, he is expected to be available for this midweek game.
The one significant injury that they are currently suffering is that of Kevin De Bruyne. The Belgian has been out with a hamstring injury, picked up in the first game of the season. Whilst De Bruyne is their most talented midfielder and biggest creator, his absence has not largely hindered Guardiola’s side. Manchester City have the 2nd highest shots on target per 90 in the league (6.7, behind Spurs at 6.8); the forwards are not struggling for opportunities.
The only other injured player is third-choice goalkeeper Zack Steffen, who has not played for the first team since second-choice Stefan Ortega signed in July 2022.
With the side at almost full strength, they have great choice and depth to select their starting lineup. The Cityzens have won their opening two Champions League matches comfortably and, whilst Young Boys are a well-respected side in Switzerland, City are heavy favourites for the fixture. Furthermore, Guardiola has a big derby away at Old Trafford this weekend. He is expected to give different players minutes, as he has done so far this season.
Manchester City Predicted Lineup
With multiple formations used throughout the season, it is hard to predict, but expect City to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation.
GK: Ederson
RB: Kyle Walker
CB: Ruben Dias
CB: Manuel Akanji
LB: Nathan Aké
DM: Rodri
DM: Matheus Nunes
RW: Phil Foden
AM: Bernardo Silva
LW: Jack Grealish
ST: Julian Alvarez
