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UEFA Champions League: Probable Manchester City side for home clash against Club Brugge

By Zoheb Alam

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 30: Pep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City gives their team instructions during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Crystal Palace at Etihad Stadium on October 30, 2021 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 30: Pep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City gives their team instructions during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Crystal Palace at Etihad Stadium on October 30, 2021 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images) /
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Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City are all set to face Club Brugge on Wednesday for their group stage fixture of the Champions League. After a torrid week which saw the Sky Blues lose to West Ham and Crystal Palace, this game will be of vital importance for the defending champions as they will be desperate to end their winless run.

Both sides met each other last month in the reverse fixture, which ended on an excellent note for the Cityzens as they thrashed their opponents 5-1 in a one-sided affair in Belgium. Therefore, on Wednesday, City will be hoping to pick up another three points against their Belgian visitors, and with a win will look to consolidate their position in Group A.

At the Etihad, Manchester City will undoubtedly field a strong side against Brugge. Starting from the back, Ederson is likely to be named as the main goalkeeper and will hope to keep things tidy between the sticks.

The Brazilian will be accompanied by two solid central defenders in the shape of Ruben Dias and Aymeric Laporte. The latter was shown a red card in City’s previous game against Crystal Palace but will be eligible to compete for a start in this Champions League fixture.

Guardiola will have his first-choice players in the defensive flanks as Kyle Walker will be returning to his usual right-back position. Joao Cancelo will be placed as the left-back and is expected to put up an improved performance in front of the goal.

In terms of midfield choices, Rodri will be slotted as the defensive midfielder. Alongside the Spaniard, there will be two central midfielders, with Kevin De Bruyne starting as the right central midfielder. Bernardo Silva will be the top choice for the left central midfielder and, will be provided with the freedom to occupy a more attacking role upfront.

City’s frontline will see Jack Grealish being accommodated as the left-winger. Riyad Mahrez might be able to gather another start in the Champions League and will be featuring as the right-winger. The Algerian had an outstanding game in the reverse fixture as he scored a brace for his side and hence might be given another go against the Belgian outfit.

Lastly, this attack will be led by Phil Foden as the main striker. The Englishman has been a decent cover for injured Ferran Torres and will look to impress the home crowd on Wednesday.