Despite Manchester City‘s 2-1 win over Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League on Wednesday, Pep Guardiola may make changes ahead of Saturday’s trip to Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Erling Haaland’s place in the starting lineup should be secure after scoring his 13th goal in nine games, but the same cannot be said for City’s wide forwards, who underperformed and were substituted against Dortmund.
Guardiola must also decide whether to play a square peg in a round hole at right-back or give a rare start to a young attacker.
Ederson hasn’t been at his complete best this season, but he isn’t at risk of losing his place. John Stones scored from right-back against Dortmund and might keep his place in the makeshift role with Kyle Walker an injury doubt. Joao Cancelo should then start at left-back and will have a task to keep Pedro Neto quiet.
Nathan Ake impressed against Dortmund, so it would be a shock if Guardiola dropped him against Wolves. Manuel Akanji partnered the Dutchman on Wednesday, but Ruben Dias might get the nod on Saturday.
Rodri is a shoo-in to start in a deep-lying midfield role as Kalvin Phillips isn’t believed to be fully fit. Kevin De Bruyne will be slightly advanced and may be partnered with Bernardo Silva rather than Ilkay Gundogan who didn’t really impress in midweek.
Riyad Mahrez could be dropped after a poor performance against Dortmund, so Julian Alvarez could be given only his second start for City. Jack Grealish didn’t perform well in midweek either, so Phil Foden could return to the lineup. Haaland is sure to start after scoring on Wednesday.
man city XI vs Wolves: Ederson; Stones, Dias, Ake, Cancelo, Rodri, De Bruyne, Silva, Alvarez, Haaland, Foden
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