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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Joe Bray

Man City fans send clear message to Pep Guardiola after Champions League selection gamble

Manchester City fans do not want to see Nicolas Otamendi and Fernandinho continue in central defence after the Champions League draw against Shakhtar this week.

Pep Guardiola named a strong XI to face the Ukrainian side, going into the game needing a point to progress. A 1-1 draw was enough to book their place in the last-16, with Atalanta's win over Dinamo Zagreb confirming City's status as group winners.

However, Guardiola did make some changes in defence, with Otamendi replacing John Stones and Angelino coming in to allow Benjamin Mendy a rest.

Guardiola has been reluctant to partner Otamendi and Stones since their respective returns from injury, instead preferring Fernandinho to continue in his unnatural position.

City next travel to Newcastle in the Premier League on Saturday lunchtime, and fans have sent a clear message to Guardiola that they want to see the central partnership changed from the pair that faced Shakhtar.

When MEN Sport asked fans on Twitter who should start at the back at St James' Park, 61 per cent opted to restore Stones and Fernandinho.

29 per cent wanted to see Fernandinho given a rest in favour of the two natural centre-backs.

Just 10 per cent, however, wanted to see Otamendi and Fernandinho continue together.

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