The Manchester City lineup that should start against Borussia Monchengladbach

Guardiola will leave nothing to chance
Guardiola will leave nothing to chance / Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images
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Despite being 2-0 up on aggregate heading into the second leg, Manchester City made seven changes to rest key players against Fulham at the weekend.

Pep Guardiola's side boast healthy rotation and a changed side is barely weakened, although the decision to make so many changes suggests that City are gearing up to ensure there are no slip-ups in the last 16 second leg.

The Cityzens have beaten Gladbach four times out of five in Champions League competition and drawn once out of their five meetings. That, combined with Gladbach's torrid run of form, means that there are no excuses for City.

There remains no room for error, though. Here is who could start on Tuesday evening.


1. Goalkeeper & defenders

John Stones
Stones starts / Gareth Copley/Getty Images

Ederson (GK) - The Brazilian has missed just one Champions League game all season and will continue between the sticks.

Kyle Walker (RB) - Walker was one of the seven rested at the weekend but is likely to return to the XI to see this one out properly.

John Stones (CB) - The Barnsley Beckenbauer's redemption has been nothing short of sensational this season. Get him on the plane, Pep (and Gareth).

Ruben Dias (CB) - The man who is responsible for dragging Stones back in from the cold. Ruben Dias deserves a trophy for that feat alone.

Oleksandr Zinchenko (LB) - Was rested against Fulham at the weekend but will start ahead of Benjamin Mendy once again.


2. Midfielders

Ilkay Gundogan
He loves a goal / Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

Rodri (DM) - Steadying the ship at the base of the midfield, Rodri is a must for City.

Ilkay Gundogan (CM) - Mr Whippy returns to the XI. Incredible personal performances, even better facial hair and quiff combo for this season. Sublime.

Kevin De Bruyne (CM) - City's occasional false nine drops back into a deeper role for this one, and can use the fixture to properly nail down his form following some inconsistency.


3. Forwards

Raheem Sterling, Nico Elvedi
Sterling is back in the side / Laszlo Szirtesi/Getty Images

Raheem Sterling (RW) - Being left out of the squad at the weekend obviously means Sterling is due to be released by City. Obviously. The Englishman returns to the XI well rested.

Gabriel Jesus (ST) - Bagged in the first leg and looked lively against Fulham. Jesus needs the momentum to find a good run of form.

Phil Foden (LW) - Football's greatest ever Phil returns to the XI and is likely to produce something otherworldly at some point throughout the game.