MANCHESTER CITY TEAM NEWS

The Blues have been in poor form and have managed just one win in their last 10 games in all competitions, having lost 2-0 at Juventus in the Champions League on Tuesday.

Pep Guardiola will definitely be without versatile England international Rico Lewis, and some of his defenders are also in doubt.

Manuel Akanji and John Stones are doubtful about their involvement, while Nathan Ake is expected to remain absent. Guardiola said of Akanji: “He has discomfort in the abdominal area, (the) kidnapper.”

“It doesn’t feel good, but he made an incredible effort. He and Nathan (Ake) weren’t even half as good as her and they helped play there. Manu plays 45 minutes and steps back and says I have to recover or I’m a strong player and very reliable but at this moment he can’t play.

“We will think about it (the composition of the defense),” the city manager added. “Maybe a winger has to play full-back or Matheus (Nunes), or maybe we play with five full-backs.”

Guardiola also praised the resilience of Kevin De Bruyne and top scorer Erling Haaland, as well as their ability to recover after games.

Mateo Kovacic and Phil Foden are available in contrast to the long-term injured Rodri and Oscar Bobb, while Ederson and Stefan Ortega have been sharing goalkeeping duties of late.