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Manuel Akanji to make debut, Julian Alvarez to start - Predicted XI: Sevilla vs Manchester City (UEFA Champions League)

Manuel Akanji to make debut, Julian Alvarez to start - Predicted XI: Sevilla vs Manchester City (UEFA Champions League)

Manchester City travel to Seville to begin their Champions League group stage campaign for the new season against the La Liga side.

After dropping points against Aston Villa in a 1-1 draw, Manchester City will be aiming to return to winning ways against Sevilla on Tuesday night.

City will also have their sights set on kicking off their UEFA Champions League campaign on a positive note, as the club eye European domination this term.

As the hosts, Sevilla will be looking to pull off an early upset against the reigning Premier League champions.

However, one draw in their first four La Liga fixtures and a 0-3 thumping against Barcelona in their latest encounter indicates that this may well be a pipe dream for the time being.

In what is set to be an enthralling contest, as Champions League football returns, here is how we expect Pep Guardiola’s side to line-up in Spain.

Predicted Team

As per standard procedure, Ederson will start in net for Manchester City.

With Kyle Walker not making the 21-man travelling squad due to an injury sustained against Aston Villa, it is likely that Joao Cancelo starts at right-back.

Ruben Dias is likely to keep his place in the side, as he remains one of the first names on the team sheet.

Manuel Akanji could be handed his debut for the Premier League champions, with John Stones not being a part of the Sky Blues’ 21-man travelling squad either due to injury.

While Sergio Gomez could be expected to start in his natural role, it would not be a surprise to see Nathan Ake tested as a left-back, as his experience could also mean he is deployed in the same position against Spurs next Saturday.

Nathan Ake in possession for Manchester City. (Sportimage / Alamy)
Nathan Ake in possession for Manchester City. (Sportimage / Alamy)

Considering Kalvin Phillips’ recent injury woes, Rodri is more than likely to keep his place in the side, as the Englishman builds up his match sharpness again.

Bernardo Silva could also be drafted into midfield for this one, as playing Ilkay Gundogan in his third game in a single week increases the risk of an overload or potential injury.

Kevin De Bruyne is also likely to start against Sevilla, as his importance to Pep Guardiola's system and success goes without saying.

Manchester City's Bernardo Silva (Twitter)
Manchester City's Bernardo Silva (Twitter)

Riyad Mahrez may start this one, after largely being on the periphery of things during the start of the season.

With Erling Haaland on the verge of making his Champions League debut for City, Pep Guardiola could be tempted to unleash him in Europe from the very off.

Julian Alvarez could also return to the starting XI after being benched against Aston Villa, operating once again from the wide positions.

Manchester City's Erling Haaland and Bernardo Silva.
Manchester City's Erling Haaland and Bernardo Silva.

Starting XI: Ederson; Joao Cancelo, Ruben Dias, Manuel Akanji, Nathan Ake; Rodri, Bernardo Silva, Kevin De Bruyne; Riyad Mahrez, Erling Haaland, Julian Alvarez.

Substitutes: Stefan Ortega Moreno, Scott Carson, Rico Lewis, Josh Wilson-Esbrand, Sergio Gomez, Kalvin Phillips, Ilkay Gundogan, Cole Palmer, Jack Grealish, Phil Foden.

Featured Image Credit: PA Images / Alamy

Topics: Sevilla, Manchester City, Premier League, La Liga, Champions League, Football