Man City predicted XI vs Copenhagen: Four changes as Champions League returns

Manchester City return to Champions League action on Tuesday night as the knockout stages of the competition begins.

City travel to Denmark to take on FC Copenhagen in the first leg of their round of 16 clash as they look to take an advantage back to Manchester for the second leg. The return fixture will be played at the Etihad Stadium at the start of next month.

For City, it’s where the business of defending their Champions League crown begins. Copenhagen finished in second place in Group A behind Bayern Munich while City finished comfortably at the top of Group G.

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Ahead of the game, Pep Guardiola has plenty of decisions to make on his starting lineup, such is the depth available to him. No new injuries within the squad means that the boss has almost a full set of options to choose from.

He could make some changes from the Premier League XI who started against Everton in Saturday’s early kick-off. Ederson is though expected to remain in goal.

Two of the changes could come in the back line. After coming on as a second half substitute against the Toffees, Kyle Walker could claim his right back place back. John Stones may drop to the bench after playing the full 90 at the weekend.

Ruben Dias and Manuel Akanji could resume their centre-back partnership with Nathan Ake completing the defensive line up.

In midfield, Kevin De Bruyne could return to the XI after again providing an assist vs Everton, with Bernardo Silva also returning to the lineup. Guardiola has several options for the wide areas, with Jack Grealish being one of them.