Pep Guardiola insists “fresh legs” are needed as he made seven changes to his Manchester City starting XI against Leeds United.
Kevin De Bruyne's return to fitness means he is back in the starting line-up. The Belgian had missed Manchester City’s previous two fixtures with a foot injury and there were fears he could miss the mammoth Champions League clash with Real Madrid.
However, Guardiola has thrown his talisman back into the starting XI - along with six more fresh faces. As well as De Bruyne, City also introduce Ederson, Rico Lewis, Manuel Akanji, Aymeric Laporte, Ilkay Gundogan and Phil Foden back into the fold. ALSO READ: Guardiola sends Kalvin Phillips message ahead of Leeds United reunion “We have come from a lot of games so I thought we needed fresh legs and a fresh mind,” Guardiola said pre-match. “He (De Bruyne) had some disturbance in his ankle, but it’s very important to have him and everyone ready.” The Spaniard also backed Lewis to shine - just as he did at Elland Road in December.
The youngster is making his first Premier League start since the 4-1 win at Bournemouth almost three months ago. “The same how he has played so far this season and since he has arrived in this team,” Guardiola said when asked how he wants Lewis to play. “He has been massive.