Bernardo Silva Set to Face Former Club as Man City Clash with Monaco
Manchester City and Monaco are set to clash for only the third time in competitive action on Wednesday evening, with their two previous encounters eight years prior delivering memorable spectacles.
City's thrilling 5–3 triumph against the French outfit in the opening leg of their Champions League last-16 clash stands as one of Europe's finest matches that has somewhat faded from memory, as a supremely gifted Monaco squad overturned their disadvantage through an equally spectacular 3–1 home victory in the second leg.
Since then, Monaco have steered clear of Pep Guardiola's squad during their peak years, as the Spanish tactician works to construct his latest masterpiece at the Etihad Stadium. Nevertheless, there have been growing pains in 2025.
Though City's European campaign began positively with victory against Napoli, many observers are tempering expectations regarding their prospects of claiming continental glory for a second occasion this season. Away form in Europe proved challenging for Guardiola's team throughout 2024–25, and Wednesday's trip to the Stade Louis–II presents potential difficulties against a Monaco side dealing with injury concerns.
Here's how Manchester City might set up for their upcoming league phase encounter.
Man City Predicted Lineup vs. Monaco (4-1-4-1)
GK: Gianluigi Donnarumma—The Italian goalkeeper returns to familiar territory on Wednesday evening, having regularly battled Monaco during his tenure guarding the goal for Paris Saint-Germain.
RB: Matheus Nunes—After alternating at right-back early in the campaign, Guardiola has preferred Nunes in recent matches, with the Portuguese defender performing well against Burnley on Saturday.
CB: Rúben Dias—Dias could face examination from Monaco's direct attacking approach that might feature two forwards. The City defender seldom encounters teams employing twin strikers in Premier League action.
CB: Joško Gvardiol—After spending periods at left-back during City's championship run in 2023–24, Gvardiol has moved back to the center of Guardiola's defensive setup in 2025.
LB: Nico O'Reilly—With Rayan Aït-Nouri remaining sidelined through injury, academy graduate O'Reilly may continue at left-back.
DM: Nico González—While Rodri has made the journey to Monaco, the Spanish midfielder seems unlikely to feature from the start on Wednesday following his absence from the Burnley victory due to injury.
RM: Oscar Bobb—Following Savinho's consecutive starts at the weekend, rotation on the right flank appears inevitable. Bobb, who came on as a substitute last match, represents the most probable option to replace the Brazilian.
CM: Bernardo Silva—Guardiola felt compelled to acquire the talented Portuguese playmaker following his brilliant performances against City eight years back, and Bernardo now makes his return to his previous club's home ground.
CM: Phil Foden—Tijjani Reijnders might be rested, enabling Foden to maintain his starting position. The English midfielder has shouldered increased duties under Guardiola recently.
LM: Jérémy Doku—Doku has elevated his performances this season and found the net in City's 2–0 victory over Napoli in the opening gameweek. He's currently an essential player.
ST: Erling Haaland—City's prolific striker rescued countless Fantasy Premier League participants with his late double on Saturday. League standings and point totals shifted dramatically in moments, rewarding those who activated their 'Triple Captain' chip.
