Man City Starting XI vs AS Monaco: Confirmed Team News and Predicted Lineup | OneFootball

Man City Eye Tactical Balance Ahead of UEFA Champions League Clash with AS Monaco

Manchester City approach their UEFA Champions League meeting with AS Monaco with one eye on player fitness and another on sustaining their momentum in Europe. The reigning English champions have navigated a demanding start to the season and are weighing their options carefully before tonight’s tie at the Etihad Stadium.

Rodri’s Recovery Remains Central to Selection

Rodri’s gradual return from a serious ACL injury remains a significant storyline for City. The Spanish midfielder was absent for a large portion of last season and continues to build match sharpness. Asked for an update, Pep Guardiola said: “He feels much better than before Burnley. He was injured for a long time. Day by day, how does he feel? Today he feels a little bit better so we will see.”

Guardiola elaborated further, emphasising the need for caution. “Now he is not injured but in the tendon, he has difficulty. The week before was so demanding with (Manchester) United, Napoli and especially Arsenal and right now he’s not able to play three games in a week at a top level, top intensity, demanding opponents.

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“My feeling right now is he is not ready because he needs time. This type of injury, it is minimum one year and after that you start.”

With an away trip to Brentford and an international break looming, Guardiola is unlikely to risk the 29-year-old. That opens the door for Nico Gonzalez to step into midfield alongside Tijjani Reijnders, giving City a fresh but capable pairing in the middle of the park.

Key Selection Calls for Guardiola

The Catalan manager may also shuffle his attacking options. Phil Foden could be handed a rest as captain Bernardo Silva prepares to face his former club, offering both technical security and emotional weight to the contest.

Jeremy Doku’s pace out wide remains integral to stretching Monaco’s back line, while Erling Haaland’s presence at the tip of the attack needs little explanation. At the back, Josko Gvardiol and Ruben Dias will continue their partnership in front of goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, expected to keep his place between the posts.

Injury List Influences Squad Depth

City’s squad depth is being tested, but they retain enough quality to adapt. Rayan Cherki has made a promising return to training ahead of schedule yet is not ready to start. Omar Marmoush, Rayan Ait-Nouri and Abdukodir Khusanov remain sidelined, limiting Guardiola’s rotational options. Kalvin Phillips is unavailable due to squad registration rules.

Such absences mean opportunities for emerging players like Oscar Bobb, who could feature in the attacking midfield trio, bringing energy and unpredictability.

Predicted Man City XI

Donnarumma, Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, O’Reilly; Nico, Reijnders, Bobb, Bernardo, Doku, Haaland

Injured: Marmoush, Ait-Nouri, KhusanovDoubts: Rodri, CherkiIneligible: Phillips

Man City’s tactical flexibility and depth will be tested against an AS Monaco side known for its counter-attacking threat. With the Champions League group stage tightening, Guardiola’s management of minutes and injuries could prove decisive in maintaining City’s European ambitions.