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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Jack Flintham

Gundogan returns but Stones out - Man City fans choose their starting XI vs Bayern

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola will be hoping that his team can finish the job tonight when they travel to Bayern Munich for the Champions League quarter-final second leg.

City were at their clinical best last week as a Rodri wonder strike followed by goals from Bernardo Silva and Erling Haaland secured a handy 3-0 advantage in the tie. Bayern still feel they have a chance of progressing in front of their home fans and Guardiola will expect his former club to be a different proposition in Germany.

The winners at the Allianz Arena will face Real Madrid in the last four of the competition and City will have revenge on their minds if they make it.

City-supporting readers of the MEN have been choosing the team they want to see start in Bavaria, and this is the most popular XI that was chosen:

ALSO READ: How City should line up vs Bayern

Goalkeeper - Ederson

The Brazilian played a crucial role in the first leg and made some good stops against Leicester City at the weekend to prevent a nervy end to proceedings. As has been the case all season, Ederson remains Guardiola's number one 'keeper.

Defenders - Manuel Akanji, Ruben Dias, Kyle Walker, Nathan Ake

Surprisingly, John Stones is out despite his brilliant performances in recent matches. Stones scored a wonderful goal on Saturday but the fans have chosen to give him the night off.

In his place, Walker moves to the left centre-back role (yeah, we've no idea either) with Akanji returning to play at right-back. It would be a risk to start the Swiss defender though as he is one booking away from missing the first leg of the semi-finals.

Midfielders - Rodri, Ilkay Gundogan, Kevin De Bruyne

No real surprises in midfield as Rodri and De Bruyne are chosen to start. Both men have been reliably for Guardiola this season and deserve a place in the team.

Despite speculation surrounding his future, Gundogan is entrusted to return to the midfield. The City captain has put in several performances worthy of his role at the club this season.

Manchester City fans' team to face Bayern Munich (Pick the Team)

Forwards - Bernardo Silva, Erling Haaland, Jack Grealish

City fans have opted not to include Riyad Mahrez against Bayern but considering how well Bernardo played in the first leg, that is no real surprise. Haaland and Grealish have been phenomenal in recent weeks and are first names on the teamsheet at present.

Phil Foden was welcomed back to training on Tuesday but the Stockport-born midfielder is unlikely to be risked straight away.

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