Sports Mole takes an in-depth look at how Manchester City could line up for Sunday’s Premier League clash with Brentford.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola will be expected to make changes in abundance for Sunday’s Premier League finale with Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium.
The champions are still expected to be working without Nathan Ake due to his thigh problem, while Phil Foden picked up a knock in Wednesday’s 1-1 draw with Brighton & Hove Albion and should not be risked either.
Furthermore, Guardiola revealed that all of Manuel Akanji, Ruben Dias, Aymeric Laporte and Jack Grealish were left out of the midweek contest due to knocks, although the quartet’s absences were all believed to be precautionary more than anything else.
All four should therefore be in with a decent chance of returning this weekend, but with Dias, Akanji and Grealish all set to play prominent roles in the FA Cup and Champions League finals, only Laporte could be considered for a starting role.
The Spain international may partner John Stones in front of stand-in goalkeeper Stefan Ortega, while Rico Lewis and Sergio Gomez can feel confident of earning starts in the wide areas.
Kalvin Phillips should also come into contention for a recall as Rodri enjoys a rest, while Bernardo Silva and Kevin De Bruyne could complete the midfield trident if Ilkay Gundogan is granted a break. Maximo Perrone would have been in line for some minutes too, but the Argentine is currently representing his nation at the Under-20 World Cup.
While Foden is not believed to be carrying anything serious, Cole Palmer will likely be promoted to the left-wing spot as Riyad Mahrez holds the fort on the right, and the same goes for Julian Alvarez as Guardiola denies Erling Braut Haaland the chance for some record-extending Premier League goals from the first whistle.
Manchester City possible starting lineup: Ortega; Lewis, Stones, Laporte, Gomez; Silva, Phillips, De Bruyne; Mahrez, Alvarez, Palmer
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