Manchester City face Sevilla in the Champions League on Wednesday evening in what is essentially a dead-rubber game for Pep Guardiola's side.
With their 0-0 draw against Borussia Dortmund in Germany last week, City guaranteed their spot in the last 16 of the Champions League as group G winners, with Dortmund unable to overtake Pep Guardiola 's side regardless of what happens on matchday six.
The last meeting between City and Sevilla ended 4-0 for Guardiola's side, with goals from Phil Foden, Ruben Dias and an Erling Haaland brace securing the win in game week one. City are expected to make a host of changes for the clash at the Etihad, with the likes of Cole Palmer, Rico Lewis and other youth prospects expected to be handed game time.
READ MORE: Guardiola confirms City plan for players not involved in World Cup
Kyle Walker, Kalvin Phillips and Haaland are all confirmed to miss out against Sevilla, with City hopeful Haaland will return to action at the weekend.
City vs Sevilla simulated
To complete this simulation, we used FIFA 23 and updated the squads with the latest injuries and suspensions.
We predict that City could set up in a 4-3-3 formation, with their line-up as follows: Ortega; Lewis, Dias, Ake, Gomez; Gundogan, Rodri, Silva; Palmer, Alvarez, Foden.
We predict that the visitors could line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with their line-up as follows: Bounou; Montiel, Gudelj, Marcao, Telles; Jordan, Rakatic; Suso, Isco, Gomez; Lamela.
The first half was a rather dull affair, with neither team hitting top gear or creating any clear-cut chances as the opening 45 minutes came to a close. City had been in control throughout, but an error from Stefan Ortega handed the visitors the lead 70 minutes in.
Manchester United loanee Alex Telles was found on the overlap for Sevilla, floating a cross towards the back post. As the ball hung in the air, Ortega made a late attempt to come and collect the ball, but he was beaten to the cross by Erik Lamela who headed over the 'keeper and into an empty net.
After going behind, Guardiola introduced Jack Grealish and Riyad Mahrez on either wing in an attempt to inject more creativity into the City attack. And, with 10 minutes remaining, both substitutes were involved as City drew level.
A corner taken short saw Mahrez and Cole Palmer exchange passes, allowing the Algerian to break into the box. After cutting past his marker Mahrez fired a shot at the feet of the 'keeper, and the rebound fell into the path of Grealish who drilled his shot into an empty net.
Julian Alvarez was sent through one-on-one with the 'keeper in the 90th minute, but the striker's shot was poor, firing wide of the post. Guardiola's side were made to pay for their missed chances in the 93rd minute as the visitors took the lead in bizarre fashion to claim three points.
As Rodri picked up the ball inside his own box, the midfielder was quickly pressed by the Sevilla front line, forcing the Spaniard into a scurried attempt to clear the ball. Rodri's powerful clearance was blocked by Kasper Dolberg, with the ball ricocheting off the striker, past Ortega and into the net.
FIFA 23 predicted final score: City 1-2 Sevilla
Here are the full-time match stats:
What do you think the final score will be? Let us know in the comments.
READ NEXT:
