Manchester City are back in action this lunchtime as they take on a K-League XI at the Sangam Stadium in Seoul
Manchester City take on the K-League XI this lunchtime
Manchester City take on the K-League XI this lunchtime(Image: Getty Images/Pick the Team)
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Manchester City will face a K-League XI in Seoul's Sangam Stadium today. Enzo Maresca said on Tuesday he saw good signs from the Blues against Inter Milan, despite the penalty shootout defeat. However, one of those bright signs, Ryan McAidoo, is unavailable this afternoon due to a minor shoulder injury.
With little more than a week before the clash with Arsenal in the Community Shield, we can expect Maresca to start a strong team. Gianluigi Donnarumma was one of three players who played the full 90 minutes against Inter and should keep his spot against the K-League side.
Matheus Nunes was one of three returnees on Saturday who arrived too late to feature at the weekend. However, he should start at right-back, with Ruben Dias reintroduced in the middle. Josko Gvardiol, who partnered Abdukodir Khusanov in the first pre-season game, will likely move to left-back to replace Stephen Mfuni.
In midfield, Nico Gonzalez impressed in the second half against Inter. He added some bite to the midfield in the absence of Rodri. Tijjani Reijnders or Mateo Kovacic are in contention to partner him and Maresca may lean towards the Croatia international.
Dias' return will likely see Phil Foden lose the captain's armband. But he should keep his spot in the centre of attacking midfield, with Antoine Semenyo starting after an impressive first outing. With the Ghana international out on the right flank, this could be a great opportunity to give Jeremy Monga some minutes.
The 17-year-old was one of a handful of unused substitutes against Inter. Now is the perfect time for Maresca to evaluate whether or not Monga has a part to play in the first team this season, or if he needs a loan.
Without Erling Haaland, City will likely look towards Omar Marmoush. Divin Mubama had a mixed game against Inter. He scored City's only goal but sometimes struggled linking up with the midfield.
City's predicted line-up vs K-League XI: Donnarumma; Nunes, Khusanov, Dias, Gvardiol; Nico, Kovacic; Semenyo, Foden, Monga; Marmoush