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Manchester City: Champions League matchday two vs. Shakhtar Donetsk

By Jason Bardwell

ROTTERDAM, NETHERLANDS - SEPTEMBER 13: Benjamin Mendy, Fernandinho, Fabian Delph and John Stones of Manchester City celebrate vicotry after the UEFA Champions League group F match between Feyenoord and Manchester City at Feijenoord Stadion on September 13, 2017 in Rotterdam, Netherlands. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
ROTTERDAM, NETHERLANDS - SEPTEMBER 13: Benjamin Mendy, Fernandinho, Fabian Delph and John Stones of Manchester City celebrate vicotry after the UEFA Champions League group F match between Feyenoord and Manchester City at Feijenoord Stadion on September 13, 2017 in Rotterdam, Netherlands. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images) /
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After a great result at the weekend, Manchester City now turn their attention to Champions League football, and Shakhtar Donetsk.

Shakhtar are one of two Ukrainian sides to have won European competitions in their history. Managed by Paulo Fonseca, the side also boast two Brazilian’s by the names Fred and Bernard!

It will be a 4,000 mile round trip for the fans when we go there in a few weeks. Certainly both are winnable games for Pep’s Blues, especially given their recent form.

Although Shakhtar have not actually faced Manchester City in European competition Ukrainian sides haven’t, historically, come out that well when they play English sides.

Chelsea lost to them, 3-2, in the Group stage of the 2012/13 season but United beat them a year later. Arsenal even beat them, 5-1, in 2010. They’ve played a total of twelve games against English sides, with pretty even results. Winning four, losing five with only the single goal difference.

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Meanwhile Manchester City have a little history with a Ukrainian side. In 2011, Dynamo Kiev put us out of the Europa League 2-1, after two legs at the knockout stage. Most recently though we did beat them in the round of 16, in 2016.

Manchester City holding midfielder, Fernandinho, will be very aware of the oppositions potential. Winning six titles, and numerous cups, including the UEFA Cup, with his former side. The Brazilian was also player of the year for the side who caused an upset in match-day one.

So, how will City lineup? Benjamin Mendy has been ruled out for this game, although Kompany and Gundogan could be back. Fabian Delph, who scored at the weekend, has stated he could fill in at left back. With Champions League being followed by Chelsea away I am not sure he’ll start anywhere but on the bench.

Leroy Sane did no harm to his claim for a start in the same game. But with Jesus not getting a run out, you’d expect him to get the nod.

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With Pep Guardiola stated in his Crystal Palace pre-match press conference that Kompany was back in contention. He also stated Gundogan was not far away either. Maybe both will be on the bench, or will Kompany make the start?

I think, cautiously, I’d go with this: Ederson, Walker, Stones, Otamendi, Fernandinho, Danilo, Sane, DeBruyne, Silva, Aguero and Jesus.