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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Joe Bray

De Bruyne and Foden start in Man City predicted team to face Borussia Monchengladbach

Kevin De Bruyne is fit for Manchester City's Champions League last-16 clash with Borussia Monchengladbach and could start in Budapest.

Pep Guardiola confirmed everyone in his squad is fit, aside from Nathan Ake, so that means De Bruyne successfully navigated his 60-minute appearance at Arsenal on Sunday without any new setbacks.

De Bruyne trained on Monday, so his availability should be a boost to City and you would expect him to start against Monchengladbach.

However, De Bruyne's inclusion gives Guardiola a difficult decision to make with his other midfielders.

Against Arsenal, Guardiola pushed Bernardo Silva forward as a false nine, but he may opt to bring back Gabriel Jesus for a more central target in the Champions League.

Ilkay Gundogan is an ever-present in the Champions League, and his experience in Europe makes him an obvious pick on Wednesday.

So that means Bernardo might be the unfortunate player to drop out, and he can be used to replace De Bruyne in the second half as his return from injury is carefully managed.

Phil Foden should come back on the left after getting a rest at the weekend, which can push Raheem Sterling over to the right. With Gabriel Jesus versatile across the front three, Guardiola can rotate his forward players along the front line, with De Bruyne and Gundogan also capable of joining the attack.

With Rodri rested at the Emirates, he's an obvious returner at the base of midfield, despite Fernandinho's fine performance in North London.

And in defence, Guardiola could bring back Kyle Walker to combat Monchengladbach's tricky wingers. That should push Joao Cancelo over to the left, even if Aleks Zinchenko would be unfortunate to drop out.

In the centre, Ruben Dias and John Stones should continue if fit, but Aymeric Laporte is ready in reserve if Guardiola wants to rotate.

Predicted Man City team vs Monchengladbach: Ederson; Walker, Dias, Stones, Cancelo; Rodri, De Bruyne, Gundogan; Foden, Sterling, Jesus.

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