Man Cityvs.Plymouth

Rodri (ACL), Manuel Akanji (abductor) and John Stones (thigh) are all sidelined with long-term injuries, while Oscar Bobb is closing in on a return to full fitness, but this weekend's game will come too soon for the attacker.

However, one player who could be involved is new signing Claudio Echeverri, a 19-year-old attacking midfielder who has now arrived in Manchester and could be in contention to make his debut after starring at the Under-20 South American Championship, where he captained Argentina to a runners-up finish.

Pep Guardiola is expected to make a number of changes to the City side that beat Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 in the Premier League on Wednesday, with Stefan Ortega pushing to return in goal at the expense of Ederson.

Rico Lewis, Nathan Ake and Vitor Reis are all in contention to start in defence, while James McAtee - who scored a hat-trick in the 8-0 win over Salford City in the FA Cup third round - is likely to start in midfield.

Fellow academy graduate Nico O'Reilly is an option to start at either left-back or in midfield, while senior quartet Bernardo Silva, Ilkay Gundogan, Phil Foden and Kevin De Bruyne could also be named in the first XI after beginning as substitutes last time out.

Erling Haaland recovered from injury to start and score the only goal against Spurs in midweek. Guardiola will now be tempted to rest his striker this weekend, which could open the door for Divin Mubama to lead the line. Omar Marmoush is another candidate to start up front.

Savinho and Jeremy Doku have started City's last two games on the flanks, but one of those could be replaced by Jack Grealish, who is pushing for a recall on the left wing.

Manchester City possible starting lineup: Ortega; Lewis, Reis, Ake, O'Reilly; Gundogan, De Bruyne; Doku, Foden, Grealish; Marmoush

Written by

Oliver Thomas