Predicted Starting Line-Up: Bodo/Glimt vs Manchester City (UEFA Champions League) | OneFootball

Following a short break from continental action, Manchester City make their return to European football tasked with an away trip to Norwegian outfit Bodo/Glimt.

Last time out, Pep Guardiola’s men were on the receiving end of a humiliating derby day defeat at Old Trafford, losing 2-0 upon Michael Carrick’s return to Manchester as goals from Bryan Mbuemo and Patrick Dorgu extended City’s winless league run to four games.

In truth, the scoreline flattered the Blues as the Red Devils had the ball in the City net on five occasions, with three disallowed for closely-run offsides. Gianluigi Donnarumma also pulled off some exceptional saves, and without the Italian it could have been an embarrassing affair.

Now, attention turns firmly to European action as the Citizens look to right the weekend’s wrongs in a trip to the Arctic Circle to face Bodo/Glimt on Tuesday aiming to grip on to a top-eight finish in the league phase – earning them automatic progression to the round of 16.

Manchester City find their ranks heavily depleted through activity in the medical room, suspensions, or unavailable due to competition rules. Absentees include Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol, John Stones, Matheus Nunes, Nico, Mateo Kovacic, Bernardo Silva (suspension), Oscar Bobb, Savinho, Marc Guehi (ineligible), and Antoine Semenyo (ineligible).

Taking all of this context into consideration, here is how we believe Pep Guardiola will line up Manchester City for their trip to Norway on Tuesday evening.

Predicted XI

Between the sticks, who else but the imperious Gianluigi Donnarumma to maintain his spot after an exemplary derby performance which prevented an entirely humiliating affair. This game is crucial in qualification for the round of 16, so starting the No.25 feels necessary.

Starting off the back four, and given the unavailability of Matheus Nunes through illness, Rico Lewis looks set for consecutive starts as the Englishman’s ability to invert and dictate play in midfield may prove influential.

Given the central defensive injury dilemma, we predict a continued partnership of Abdukodir Khusanov and Max Alleyne, as the pairing appears to be Pep Guardiola’s preferred selection subsequent to the unfortunate injuries to Josko Gvardiol and Ruben Dias against Chelsea.

At left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri, who recently returned from AFCON, should get the nod to complete the back four. The No.21 made cameos against Newcastle and Manchester United, but given the sheer amount of minutes Nico O’Reilly has played, he should be in from the start.

In midfield, we predict a pivot of Tijjani Reijnders and Rodri to take charge of the engine room with three unavailable central midfielders including the club captain, and Guardiola’s hand somewhat forced.

The aforementioned duo is one of undeniable quality, however, as the Spaniard’s value to the team is second to none, whilst the Netherlands international is a persistent threat with 12 goal involvements this term.

Operating just ahead of that pairing would be Phil Foden in our line-up, who should occupy the No.10 role, as the 25-year-old will look to reignite goalscoring form following a recent drought.

Rayan Cherki should begin the game off the right flank for Pep Guardiola and will be a huge creative asset as his dynamism and technical ability will certainly be a threa.

Due to the recent admission by Pep Guardiola that Erling Haaland is “exhausted”, Omar Marmoush could lead the line in Bodo despite only very recently returning from AFCON and playing for his country on Saturday evening.

Following Marmoush’s return from Morocco, where the Egyptian secured third place at the tournament, our No.7 will be eager to reinvigorate the Manchester City frontline with his different attacking profile in comparison to the Norway international.

Finally, to conclude the starting XI and with the injury list as extensive as ever, the electric Jeremy Doku looks set to start at left wing. The 23-year-old has been one of the Blues’ most consistent performers, and his pace will be a huge problem for those of a Bodo/Glimt persuasion.

Starting XI: Donnarumma; Lewis, Khusanov, Alleyne, Ait-Nouri; Rodri (C), Reijnders, Foden; Cherki, Marmoush, Doku.

Substitutes: Trafford, Bettinelli, Noble, Ake, Mfuni, O’Reilly, Gray, Mukasa, Haaland, Samba.