Sports Mole looks at how Manchester City could line up for Saturday’s pre-season clash against AC Milan at Yankee Stadium.
Stefan Ortega started in goal during City’s 4-3 loss against Celtic on July 24, and while several star players such as Kevin De Bruyne and Julian Alvarez remain absent from the squad due to their participation in the Euros and Copa America, Pep Guardiola still named as strong a side as possible.
Considering this, it would be surprising if the former Barcelona boss named a weakened team against AC Milan.
Rico Lewis can be expected to start at left-back, while Josh Wilson-Esbrand will likely be given another appearance at right-back.
In midfield, Kalvin Phillips was one of five players to be taken off at half time, and while he has struggled for game time at Manchester City, Rodri‘s absence due to both injury and Spain’s Euro 2024 win means he will almost certainly continue in his role.
Oscar Bobb scored against Celtic and was one of only two players to play the entire game, and could be set for another start.
Considering that Jack Grealish and Erling Haaland are the only two established first-team forwards in the squad, the pair are likely to retain their places in the starting lineup.
Guardiola made nine substitutions during his side’s loss to the Scottish champions, with youngsters Ben Knight, Micah Hamilton and Jacob Wright all getting minutes in the second half.
The City boss could look to give some of the young players who did not get a chance to feature in that loss minutes in the second half on Saturday, with the likes of Amar Ahmed, Stephen Mfuni and Tomas Galavez all options to bring onto the pitch.
Manchester City possible starting lineup: Ortega; Lewis, Mbete, Simpson-Pusey, Wilson-Esbrand; Phillips, Perrone; Bobb, McAtee, Grealish; Haaland
No Data Analysis info