How will Manchester City line up against Hoffenheim?

After a surprising defeat in Gameweek One, Manchester City go into today’s game knowing that it is a must-win fixture if they want to finish top of their Champions League group.

The domestic form has been good enough but not spectacular and they must transform that winning mentality for this game against Hoffenheim.

The German side have no spectacular players on their team, however, their manager is rated a bit special. Julian Nagelsmann, who will be leaving for RB Leipzig next season, has been mentioned in the same breath as Pep Guardiola although yet to achieve the same level of success in terms of trophies.

The team normally line up with three at the back and two wing-backs, with two players, normally Andrej Kramaric and Ádám Szalai, providing a focal point in attack.

A more defensive set up may be adapted for the 17:55 kick off with the German side likely to flood the midfield with an extra player or drop a striker back to support a lone forward.

Whatever formation they select, City can be expected to win when you match the two sides on paper.

With the Liverpool game coming up at the weekend, City may have had made a few changes ahead of the potential early title decider on Sunday. However, with this game being a must-win Champions League fixture, Pep is likely to pick his most trusted and strongest team.

That starting eleven is likely to be fitted into a similar system favoured to last year, with Ederson guaranteed to line up in goal as the Brazilian ‘keeper is the only senior goalkeeper available, with Kyle Walker and Fabian Delph on either flank.

The toughest challenge would be who to pick in the centre-back pairing, with Aymeric Laporte, Nicolas Otamendi, John Stones and captain Vincent Kompany all vying for a starting position.

Otamendi and Laporte have been strong in recent starts with Guardiola likely to continue the partnership in this must-win game. Should he make a change then it is likely that Stones will come in for one of the players.

In front of him, Fernandinho, David Silva and Bernardo Silva pick themselves given their current form, particularly the Portuguese playmaker. Phil Foden is likely to be on the bench and have a taste of the action when we are 4-0 up with 30 minutes left to play. Fingers crossed.

On the flanks, for me, I would play Leroy Sane and Riyad Mahrez, giving Raheem Sterling a rest for the upcoming Premier League fixture. Those two will still be strong enough for Hoffenheim, particularly if we can control the play from minute one.

Sergio Aguero has been in fine goalscoring form this season and I expect the Argentine to continue his record in the Rhein-Neckar-Arena. I wouldn’t be surprised if Gabriel Jesus is given a start though, providing he needs more game time and an opportunity to turn around his barren run of goals this term

Our predicted line-up:

Ederson, Kyle Walker, Aymeric Laporte, Nicolas Otamendi, Fabian Delph, Fernandinho, David Silva, Bernardo Silva, Riyad Mahrez, Leroy Sane, Sergio Aguero.