Manchester City supporters are urging Pep Guardiola to pick Raheem Sterling over Jack Grealish when naming his starting XI for the Atletico Madrid showdown. Tonight sees the Spanish champions head to the Etihad Stadium for the first leg of their Champions League last-eight tie.
Despite sweeping aside all before them — except ongoing title rivals Liverpool — domestically over the last few seasons, City have still to get their hands on European honours under Guardiola. Of course, his star-studded team were beaten by Chelsea in the final last season.
As they continue their journey to atone for that result, City are without Ruben Dias (hamstring) as the centre-back also prepares to miss the following game against Liverpool. Cole Palmer (foot) is also out and MEN readers have been sharing the line-ups they would select against Atletico tonight (8pm kick off). This is who they picked:
READ MORE: Atletico Madrid confirm injury blow after announcing squad vs Man City
Goalkeeper - Ederson
Quite simply the easiest decision Guardiola will have to make. Zach Steffen offers reliable back-up in domestic cup competitions and when called upon elsewhere, but Brazil goalkeeper Ederson is the undisputed number one at the Etihad Stadium and beyond. A unanimous choice.
Defenders - Joao Cancelo, John Stones, Aymeric Laporte, Oleksandr Zinchenko
Kyle Walker's suspension complicates this area — especially with Dias not fit enough to return. City will almost-certainly switch Joao Cancelo across to right-back and play Oleksandr Zinchenko and that is what supporters are calling for.
Midfielders - Bernardo Silva, Rodri, Kevin de Bruyne
Rested against Burnley after his international exploits, Portuguese sensation Bernardo Silva will come back into the City line-up for Ilkay Gundogan. Fans sees this one pretty clearly as Kevin de Bruyne and Rodri get the nod, as well.
Forwards - Riyad Mahrez, Phil Foden, Raheem Sterling
A depleted back-line and settled midfield means this is the big debate for City supporters. Sterling and Grealish have competed for a spot on the left throughout the campaign, though both men were handed another chance to impress during the Burnley win. According to fans, Phil Foden should keep his place, while Riyad Mahrez has been tipped to step in for £100million man Grealish.
IN: John Stones, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Bernardo Silva, Riyad Mahrez.
OUT: Kyle Walker, Nathan Ake, Ilkay Gundogan, Jack Grealish.
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