4 Changes Expected: 4-2-3-1 Predicted Man City Lineup vs Club Brugge| UCL

01/28/2025 02:00 PM

Bidding to qualify for the UEFA Champions League knockout rounds, Manchester City's eighth and final group-stage game pits them against Belgian outfit Club Brugge at the Etihad on Wednesday evening.

The Sky Blues find themselves outside the top 24 after an incredible collapse against Paris Saint-Germain at the Parc des Princes last week. From leading 2-0 and in a comfortable position, they lost 4-2 and now have eight points from seven games.

So, Pep Guardiola's side have to win their last game to avoid a shock early exit from the Champions League and them beating Chelsea 3-1 at home in the Premier League should give the players a lot of confidence heading into the Club Brugge fixture.

Manchester City Team News

Manchester City lost Ruben Dias to a fresh adductor problem during the loss to PSG, while Jeremy Doku and Nathan Ake are doubtful for the game against Club Brugge.

Predicted Man City lineup vs Club Brugge (4-2-3-1)

Goalkeeper

Man City's last line of defence, Ederson will be desperate to keep a clean sheet after conceding four in the previous European outing.

Defence

Matheus Nunes has operated commendably in a makeshift right-back role in the last few games, but Guardiola could opt for the young Rico Lewis’ dynamism against the Belgian side. On the opposite side of the back four, Josko Gvardiol has been a mainstay and deserves to keep his place in the Man City lineup after a strong showing against Chelsea.

January signing Abdukodir Khusanov endured a tumultuous debut against Chelsea that saw him commit the error that led to Noni Madueke's opener in the third minute. So, expect Guardiola to take the young Uzbek out of the firing line and recall John Stones to the Man City lineup, with the England international coming off the bench in the 3-1 win over Chelsea.

Midfield

Bernardo Silva and Mateo Kovacic should hold down City's midfield, trying to dictate terms and create openings in the final third. Another January recruit, Omar Marmoush had a fine debut outing for City vs Chelsea—even if he did not create or score a goal—although Kevin de Bruyne is vying for a recall to the Man City lineup and is likely to feature in this must-win match.

Ilkay Gundogan may come on in the second half to add a bit more quality and experience in midfield if required.

Attack

Savinho will also be eyeing a recall to the City side, with Phil Foden hoping to produce another dazzling performance after his display in the win over Chelsea.

Erling Haaland, who produced a fantastic chipped finish over Robert Sanchez on Saturday, should lead the City attack again. If City find themselves in a pickle, Guardiola will have attacking options in Jack Grealish, James McAtee and Marmoush to bring off the bench.

The post 4 Changes Expected: 4-2-3-1 Predicted Man City Lineup vs Club Brugge| UCL appeared first on Mad About EPL.