Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola says Sergio Aguero was dropped against Real Madrid in the Champions League for tactical reasons while Fernandinho and Raheem Sterling miss out due to fitness concerns.
The clash against Zinedine Zidane's men is of even more importance to the Blues if a two-year ban from the competition hanging over their head pending appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Nevertheless, Guardiola has sprung the changes for the fixture with Aguero and Fernandinho dropping to the bench as Bernardo Silva operates as a false nine.
Ilkay Gundogan retains his place in centre midfield despite David Silva returning to full fitness. Sterling returns from injury but must settle for a place among the substitutes.
Jesus came off the bench to score against Leicester at the weekend, while Aguero missed a penalty, and is expected to start on the left of the front three alongside Bernardo and Riyad Mahrez.
Guardiola says his performance from the bench did not affect his decision to start him against the Spanish giants.
Asked if his start was a reward for scoring, he said: "No. I decide for him like I could decide for Sergio [Aguero]."
The Catalan revealed both Fernandinho and Sterling were left out for fitness reasons.
He added: "Fernandinho is not in top condition with his physicality.
"[Sterling] could have played from the beginning but 90 minutes I don't know, that's why I decided."
