Man City confirm their starting lineup for tonight’s Champions League clash with Sporting Lisbon. Does Erling Haaland lead the line for Pep Guardiola’s side?
Manchester City striker Erling Haaland is named in Manchester City’s starting lineup for this evening’s Champions League clash with Sporting Lisbon in Portugal.
The Citizens were given an injury scare when their Norwegian No.9 fell to the ground holding his shin in Monday’s training session, but Pep Guardiola dismissed any fears over the striker’s fitness at a press conference later that evening.
Haaland has since been deemed fit to start at the Estadio Jose Alvalade, as Man City make a total of three changes from the side that suffered a 2-1 defeat at Bournemouth in the Premier League last weekend.
Tonight is a special night for Jahmai Simpson-Pusey – who celebrated his 19th birthday yesterday – as he has been handed his first senior start by Guardiola and is set to play alongside Manuel Akanji at the heart of defence, protecting goalkeeper Ederson.
Nathan Ake has made way for Simpson-Pusey, while Rico Lewis has been recalled at the expense of Kyle Walker to play at right-back as Josko Gvardiol continues on the left side of a four-man defence.
The other chance made by Guardiola sees Savinho replace Ilkay Gundogan, and the Brazilian is expected to play on the right flank, with ex-Sporting man Matheus Nunes operating on the left once again, while tonight’s City captain Bernardo Silva, Mateo Kovacic and Phil Foden all start in midfield as Haaland leads the line.
More to follow.