Champions League: Eleven to see off Basel

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BASEL, BASEL-STADT – FEBRUARY 13: Ilkay Gundogan of Manchester City celebrates after scoring his sides fourth goal with Raheem Sterling of Manchester City during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 First Leg match between FC Basel and Manchester City at St. Jakob-Park on February 13, 2018 in Basel, Switzerland. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) /

After what was a fantastic week for the Blues, attention now turns to the Champions League. We have to be honest and admit that this is the only competition we might miss out on. Out of the FA Cup, having won the Carabao and all but secured the Premier League the Champions League remains the focus.

Pep will tell us that he is focused on each game, and winning each game. While I believe that to a certain extent, I cannot help but think squad rotation will be used to ensure our strongest players are ready for these evenings.

The temptation for tonight’s game, is to go with some rotation. Certainly with David Silva not being included in the game day squad, you would have to assume that maybe we could see some of our bigger names rested.

I am not all that convinced though, and believe Pep will rotate a little, yes, but I think he would prefer to go strong, wrap up the tie and then substitute some key players. With that in mind, this is how I think Pep’s starting lineup will look.

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