Manchester City are back in Premier League action on Saturday as they host Crystal Palace at the Etihad.
Pep Guardiola’s side has recovered back-to-back wins in the past week, coming from behind to beat Luton Town before Wednesday’s 3-2 Champions League win at Crvena zvezda. But with Liverpool, Arsenal and Aston Villa all flying, there is little room for error.
Guardiola was able to rotate during the week, having already seen his side secure top-spot in the group, but the City boss is expected to revert to his strongest side in order to keep pace with their Premier League rivals before next weekend’s Club World Cup game.
Strong as he may go, Guardiola could be forced to welcome Palace to the Etihad without Erling Haaland. The Norwegian missed the last two matches due to a ‘stress’ injury in his foot and returned from a brief break on Thursday evening.
Guardiola admitted on Friday that City’s top-scorer is a doubt for Saturday after being assessed by medical staff and his absence will likely see Julian Alvarez moved into his more natural No.9 position. The Argentinian has faded slightly in recent weeks but has been ever-present all season.
Jeremy Doku is also set to be unavailable as he recovers from a muscular injury picked up in the 3-3 draw against Tottenham earlier this month. That will likely mean Jack Grealish keeps his place on the right-wing as he looks to build on two goals in his last three games, with Phil Foden back in on the left.
Alvarez’s role change opens up the space he has filled behind the striker, and Guardiola is expected to move Bernardo Silva into the more advanced role, allowing the Portuguese midfielder to drift and create. Mateo Kovacic got 76 minutes in Belgrade and could keep his place alongside the returning Rodri.
Manuel Akanji may be the only player to keep his place in the back-four, with John Stones likely to rest after playing 86 minutes in Serbia while Kyle Walker and Josko Gvardiol will come in for Rico Lewis and Sergio Gomez respectively. Ederson will return between posts, following his midweek rest.