90min

The Manchester City Lineup That Should Start Against Porto

By Grey Whitebloom

Phil Foden (left) and Raheem Sterling (right) have both been heavily involved in Manchester City's start to the season
Phil Foden (left) and Raheem Sterling (right) have both been heavily involved in Manchester City's start to the season / Pool/Getty Images
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Pep Guardiola's fifth attempt at steering Manchester City beyond the Champions League quarter-finals begins with their opening group game against Porto on Wednesday evening.

Prior to his arrival in Manchester, Guardiola had guided his two previous sides - Barcelona and Bayern Munich - to at least the semi-finals in all seven of his seasons as manager in the continent's elite club competition.

However, before City fans can dream of a different knockout stage outcome and Guardiola's sceptics prepare to shoehorn in allegations of 'overthinking', last season's Premier League runners-up must first navigate their way through an interesting group, starting with the reigning Portuguese champions.

1. Goalkeeper & Defenders

Kyle Walker (left) and João Cancelo (right) dovetailed nicely against Arsenal last time out but may be deployed in different roles against Porto
Kyle Walker (left) and João Cancelo (right) dovetailed nicely against Arsenal last time out but may be deployed in different roles against Porto / James Williamson - AMA/Getty Images

Ederson (GK) - While Guardiola tends to rest his undisputed number one in the domestic cups, Ederson has been a fixture of their Champions League side from the off.

Kyle Walker (RB) - One of only two players to start all six of City's matches this season, Walker - who, despite now 30 years of age, is yet to lose any of his electric pace - put in an wonderfully disciplined performance against Arsenal last time out, tracking Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang wherever he went to great effect.

Rúben Dias (CB) - Since his arrival in January 2018, all of City's centre-backs have looked emphatically more reassured and confident when alongside Aymeric Laporte but decidedly less so in his absence. Yet, Dias was so impressive without Laporte beside him in only his second City appearance, that he even earned comparisons to club legend Vincent Kompany - although Guardiola swiftly quashed such talk.

Nathan Aké (CB) - Dias' fellow summer arrival has so far made the jump from the Championship-bound Bournemouth to Champions League-targeting City look more seamless than it should, though he was part of the defence which conceded five to Leicester City.

João Cancelo (LB) - After a surprisingly well-rounded performance against Arsenal as a hybrid wingback and midfielder, Cancelo has surely impressed enough to earn another starting berth but is unlikely to be used in the same complex role.

2. Midfielders

Ilkay Gündogan had the start of his season put on hold while he recovered from a positive COVID-19 test
Ilkay Gündogan had the start of his season put on hold while he recovered from a positive COVID-19 test / Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images

Fernandinho (DM) - Now 35 years old, Guardiola is forced to use his defensive linchpin sparingly. After two substitute appearances in the last two games, Fernandinho may be afforded a starting berth while Rodri - who has started all six matches this season - gets a rest.

Ilkay Gündogan (CM) - After a positive COVID-19 test ensured Gündogan's first outing of the campaign came last weekend against Arsenal, the Germany international may earn his first club start of the season on Wednesday, offering an element of balance and control City's midfield has, at times, lacked in David Silva's absence.

Phil Foden (CM) - The 'Stockport Iniesta' has rarely been used as one of a midfield trio in the same way his nickname's inspiration was deployed. However, with Sergio Agüero back fit to bolster the front line, Guardiola could harness Foden's energy and eye for goal in midfield.

3. Forwards

Ferran Torres (right) has celebrates his first Manchester City goal with Raheem Sterling (left)
Ferran Torres (right) has celebrates his first Manchester City goal with Raheem Sterling (left) / PAUL ELLIS/Getty Images

Ferran Torres (RW) - The 20-year-old wide man has been eased into this City side, starting just one Premier League game and both Carabao Cup clashes, but could make the tenth Champions League appearance of his career if Guardiola turns to Torres ahead of Riyad Mahrez or Bernardo Silva.

Sergio Agüero (ST) - The Argentinian front man's first appearance for the best part of four months included expected signs of rust against Arsenal. Yet, just the presence of Agüero, if nothing else as a decoy, improves City.

Raheem Sterling (LW) - One of the few players who regularly escapes Guardiola's merciless rotation policy, Sterling has followed up his career-best goalscoring haul last season with four strikes in the first six matches of the current campaign.