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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Liam Wood

Ruben Dias and Joao Cancelo start in Man City predicted line-up vs Sporting Lisbon

Manchester City are expected to make four changes to their line-up for the Champions League last-16 opener with Sporting Lisbon on Tuesday night (8pm).

With a place in the quarter-finals at stake, the Premier League champions jet to Portugal for the first leg of that tie, which will be staged at Estadio Jose Alvalade.

Pep Guardiola shuffled his pack on Saturday afternoon - making five alterations in total as Raheem Sterling inspired City to victory over Norwich City with a hat-trick.

England starlet Phil Foden was also on target during that 4-0 verdict at Carrow Road.

Portugal defenders Ruben Dias and Joao Cancelo were among those rested for that one - while Belgium playmaker Kevin de Bruyne was afforded time off after starting against Fulham in the FA Cup and Brentford.

On such an important night for City, those three players are almost certain to return to the starting XI.

Rodri should also step back in for Fernandinho as Guardiola ponders what to do at full-back.

John Stones and Cancelo were chosen in those positions at the Etihad Stadium against Brentford, while it was Kyle Walker and Aleks Zinchenko who got the nod at Carrow Road on Saturday afternoon. A final call there may depend on whether Cancelo operates on the right or left-hand side.

How many changes will Guardiola make? Have your say in the comments section below.

City are, meanwhile, without £100million man Jack Grealish (shin) through injury.

Grealish remains on the sidelines with Gabriel Jesus (muscle) and Academy graduate Cole Palmer (foot).

Man City predicted line-up vs Sporting Lisbon (4-3-3): Ederson; Walker, Dias, Laporte, Cancelo; Bernardo, Rodri, De Bruyne; Mahrez, Sterling, Foden.

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