da bet7： For the third time in four seasons, Manchester City go into the final game of the Champions League group stage already qualified for the last 16.
da fezbet： Tonight’s opponents, Celtic, travel to the Etihad Stadium hoping to secure their first win in the competition this term and will take inspiration from their dramatic 3-3 draw against City at Celtic Park in September.
Nonetheless, the Citizens are not expected to field a full-strength team against the Hoops with the Christmas fixture pile-up upcoming.
Pep Guardiola’s team are unable to catch table-toppers Barcelona, so fielding a secondary team, as previously witnessed against Steaua Bucharest, is the most likely route for Pep Guardiola against Celtic.
The Spaniard still has answers to uncover within this City squad and the game against the Bhoys provides him with the chance to learn even more about his talented team.
Here is the XI Guardiola must pick against Brendan Rodgers’ resurgent Celtic…
GK: Claudio Bravo
Guardiola must field a secondary team, however, as Celtic is a meaningless game it can be used for Bravo to continue to build an understanding with the players around him.
Yes, it may be December, but the Chilean is still adapting to life in Manchester and game-time is what is needed for the ‘keeper to progress.
His ability is undeniable and with Caballero likely to depart in the summer, changing Bravo would make minimal sense.
CB: Bacary Sagna
Sagna is slowly returning to fitness with the Citizens, and against Celtic, he could get valuable game-time to improve his match-fitness ahead of the fixture pile up, which is due to occur.
Sagna remains unlikely to continue at City next season as his three-year contract comes to an end, but games like this Celtic one may provide the Frenchman with an opportunity to get his name out there
CB: John Stones
Stones’ form has been a bit wobbly of late, so another game to get his confidence up makes sense.
The England international needs belief for his front-foot approach, so a big win, which is possible against Celtic, could be vital for him heading into the festive fixtures.
CB: Gael Clichy
Like Sanga, Gael Clichy is expected to depart the Etihad Stadium this summer with his current deal set to expire.
The French defender has not been offered a new contract at the club as of yet, but a good performance could change Guardiola’s mind in relation to the ex-Arsenal man.
Clichy has not played since his abysmal display against Middlesbrough in November and will be keen to put that appearance behind him against Celtic.
DM: Fernando
With Fernandinho (suspended) and Yaya Toure (ineligible), Fernando should be playing in the defensive midfield role against the Bhoys.
Since his move from Porto in 2014, things have not gone the way the Brazilian would have liked, but with games coming thick and fast over the next few weeks, he could put himself in Guardiola’s plans with a good showing.
CM: Aleix Garcia
Spanish midfielder Aleix Garcia has played four times this season for City and each time fans have been watering at the mouth at his potential.
His passing range and ability to find space make him the ideal young player for Guardiola’s system.
Celtic provide another opportunity for the youngster to highlight his talent and make his mark on this City team.
CM: David Silva
It may be a nothing game regarding qualification and the effect a defeat my cause, but knowing Guardiola, the Spaniard will not want to suffer a loss.
David Silva is a must to start against Celtic to ensure the link between midfield and attack is present.
Silva continues to prove his capability against the best teams on a regular basis and Celtic will have a lot of questions to address if the Spanish playmaker starts for Guardiola’s men.
CM: Fabian Delph
Yes, Delph! The English midfielder has not featured for City since August following a thigh injury that required surgery in Barcelona, but he needs game time somewhen.
Delph’s move to City has witnessed seven different injuries in just 16 months , but he may finally be able to end his fitness hoodoo and receive some valuable game-time against the Scottish champions.
Delph’s first-team chances are expected to be limited, but this could be a chance for him.
RM: Leroy Sané
Following his summer move from Schalke, Leroy Sane has not proven value for money at the Etihad Stadium thus far. However, the German’s lack of game-time is not his fault as the form of Raheem Sterling has just been sensational.
Sane can finally edge his way into Guardiola’s side with an impressive performance against Rodgers’ Celtic.
Without a goal to his name, surely he must be licking his lips at the prospect of facing Celtic.
LM: Nolito
Nolito’s short Manchester City career has been rather impressive already, however, following his suspension against Bournemouth in September, he has become frozen out as a result.
His goal against Celtic ensured City left Celtic Park with a point in September, and like Sane, he will be keen to give Guardiola food for thought in the Premier League.
Maybe if Nolito can cut out the head-butting and concentrate on goalscoring, it would be a no-brainer for Pep.
ST: Kelechi Iheanacho
The pressure on the young Nigerian striker has become more significant with the arrival of Brazilian starlet Gabriel Jesus on the horizon.
Iheanacho regularly finds himself playing second fiddle to Sergio Aguero regardless of how well he plays.
Celtic could finally see Iheanacho put in a performance that would see him almost undroppable for the next Premier League game against Leicester, which Aguero will miss.