Champions League 2018/19: Manchester City’s expected lineup vs Lyon

TheSportsRush brings Manchester City’s expected lineup vs Lyon, as the English champions begin their Champions League campaign.

Pep Guardiola’s side enjoyed an extraordinary success in the 2017/18 Premier League season, where they became the first team to score 100 points in PL era. Manchester City have started the current season in a similar fashion, are only two points behind league leaders Chelsea at 3rd position.

However, Manchester City have so far failed to replicate their success in the league at the European stage. Last season, City were knocked out by fellow English club Liverpool in the quarterfinals.

This season, however, Pep Guardiola’s side would intend to break the European curse. They will begin their Champions League campaign against Lyon.

Let’s take a look at the expected lineup for Manchester City.

Goalkeeper: Ederson

The Brazilian has been the first choice goalkeeper since his arrival at the club last season, and stood in front of goal throughout the Champions League campaign for Manchester City last season. He’s expected to retain his place.

Defence: Walker, Stones, Laporte, Mendy

Pep Guardiola rested the likes of John Stones and Benjamin Mendy. While no concrete reason was given for the exclusion, it is speculated that both the defenders were given rest for the Champions League fixture.

Midfield: Fernandinho, Silva, Mahrez

Kevin De Bruyne’s injury was a major blow for Pep Guardiola and the team, but Man City are coping well without the services of the Belgian star at the moment. The trio started against Fulham in the fifth game-week of the Premier League season, and it is unlikely that Guardiola will make a change in the midfield.

Forward: Sterling, Jesus, Sane

Guardiola said in the post-match conference that Sergio Aguero could be out of the Champions League clash against Lyon. Gabriel Jesus is likely to take his place, while Leroy Sane will assume his role on the wings.