The Spaniard has been tactically flexible this season, flitting between a handful of formations, [though Niko Kovac is more dogmatic](/sport/football/dortmund-bellingham-man-city-kovac-b1256294.html) - he is yet to deviate from his three-at-the-back setup.
Speaking pre-match, he described that match as “demanding”, suggesting rotation will be the name of the game on Wednesday.
Two names on the teamsheet are dead certs - brick wall Gianluigi Donnarumma and the free-scoring Erling Haaland - but the other nine starting positions are up for grabs.
Rayan Ait-Nouri could make a long-awaited return to the starting line-up, having returned from injury to face Bournemouth and Swansea. Cherki impressed against the Cherries, though, and could hold onto his spot on the right flank.
Josko Gvardiol has been shuffled between full-back and centre-back positions throughout this campaign, but Ait-Nouri’s return would allow him to shift back into a central area.
Tijjani Reijnders has struggled for form in recent months and could make way for the fit-again Rodri, though an appearance off the bench would not be unlikely as Guardiola manages the Spaniard’s minutes.
Mateo Kovacic is the only absentee for City, ruled out with a long-term ankle injury.
**Man City predicted XI (4-1-4-1):** Donnarumma; Ait-Nouri, Dias, Gvardiol, Nunes; Rodri; Doku, Foden, Silva, Cherki; Haaland
**Time and date:** 8pm BST on Wednesday, November 5, 2025
**Venue:** [Etihad Stadium](/topic/etihad-stadium), Manchester