Manchester City will be hoping to get back-to-back wins in the Champions League ahead of their upcoming clash against Sparta Prague.
Pep Guardiola’s men are currently sitting in eighth place in the Champions League table with four points from two games.
Manchester City are yet to concede a single goal in the competition while remaining unbeaten.
Jamie Carragher linked Rodri’s injury to Manchester City’s Champions League prospects by describing his absence as a “blow.”
City will be hoping to put such doubts to bed in the Champions League this season.
Ahead of their contest against Sparta Prague in Europe’s elite competition, Pep Guardiola could make as many as seven changes to the side that beat Wolves 2-1 on Sunday.
Man City predicted defence vs Sparta Prague
Much like in Manchester City’s convincing 4-0 win against Slovan Bratislava, Ederson Moraes could make way for Stefan Ortega in between the sticks.
With Pep Guardiola confirming Kyle Walker is yet to recover from his knee injury, Rico Lewis could be set to keep his place in the side for Wednesday’s outing.
It was claimed on Tuesday that John Stones is set to be offered a new contract at Manchester City and as he continues to score vital goals for his side this season, he is expected to start against Sparta Prague as well.
With Manuel Akanji being on the bench against Wolves, he could be drafted straight into the side with Ruben Dias being rested.
Considering Nathan Ake was named in City’s matchday squad at the Molineux Stadium, he could be set for a return to the starting XI in Josko Gvardiol’s place.
Man City midfield Pep Guardiola could pick vs Sparta Prague
Mateo Kovacic could be given a breather, much like against Slovan Bratislava — with Ilkay Gundogan potentially being named as Manchester City’s number six in the Champions League once again.
Considering Matheus Nunes’ cameo against Wolves was bright, he could come in for Kovacic into the side.
Bernardo Silva could be in line for another start as Pep Guardiola tries to find his best possible midfield in Rodri and Kevin De Bruyne’s absence.
Guardiola confirmed De Bruyne remains sidelined through injury and is not close to returning to full fitness yet.
Man City predicted front three vs Sparta Prague, Haaland to be rested
With Savinho being hooked off in the 73rd minute, perhaps one of Pep Guardiola’s intentions for doing so was to keep him fresh for Manchester City’s upcoming Champions League fixture.
Erling Haaland has only been benched in one out of 11 games for City this season and he could be rested once again.
Instead, Phil Foden could start as a false nine in the Norwegian’s absence — as he did in the Sky Blues’ 2-1 victory against Watford in the Carabao Cup.
With Jack Grealish coming off the bench against Wolves, he could be fresh and ready to take Jeremy Doku’s place in the side and start on the left-wing against Sparta Prague.
Manchester City predicted lineup vs Sparta Prague: Ortega, Lewis, Stones, Akanji, Ake, Gundogan, Nunes, Bernardo, Savinho, Foden, Grealish
