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Champions League: Eleven to see off Basel

By Jason Bardwell

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)
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) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 25: Vincent Kompany of Manchester City during the Carabao Cup Final between Arsenal and Manchester City at Wembley Stadium on February 25, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 25: Vincent Kompany of Manchester City during the Carabao Cup Final between Arsenal and Manchester City at Wembley Stadium on February 25, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) /

Defenders:

So this is where I am a little torn. It could be dependent on how Kyle Walker feels after the Chelsea game. He hobbled off against Arsenal only a few days before, but started against Chelsea. Not only did he start, but he played the full 90.

Normally I would say to rest him for this game, but Danilo is one yellow card away from being suspended in the next game. Now, not knowing if that will be home or away, or who it could be against, I think normally you have to sit him out.

However if it’s Danilo suspended for the next Champions League game, or Walker out injured, I think I’ll take Danilos suspension. If there are any doubts over Walker, then I think you have to start Danilo.

On the other side I think it has to be Zinchenko. The young Ukranian has been growing in confidence over the past few games he’s had. Now, he certainly needs to relax on those lunging tackles, but overall I think he has done enough.

IN the center I think you go with Captain, Vincent Kompany. Rested in the last game it will be a fresh pairing as he joins up with John Stones. Nicolas Otamendi and Aymeric Laporte will be on the bench at least one of them named as an available substitution.

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