Guardiola Shakes Up Man City Squad: Rodri Benched as Foden Gets Napoli Nod
Pep Guardiola faces the challenge of defeating a well-known adversary on Thursday evening, as Manchester City host Serie A champions Napoli at the Etihad Stadium.
Antonio Conte has previously troubled the Spanish manager and belongs to a select group of coaches who maintain a winning record against Guardiola (4W-0D-3L).
His Napoli squad reclaimed their position as Italy's dominant team last campaign, and with assistance from a Manchester City legend in Kevin De Bruyne, they're looking to make an impact in Europe's top club tournament this season.
This matchup certainly offers plenty of storylines, and Guardiola must also keep in mind Sunday's crucial Premier League clash at Arsenal's home ground. Here's how the City manager might arrange his squad for Matchday 1 of the group stage.
Man City Predicted Formation vs. Napoli (4-1-4-1)
GK: Gianluigi Donnarumma—The Italian goalkeeper made an ideal debut in Manchester, helping the Citizens secure derby victory on Sunday. His finest performances at Paris Saint-Germain came in this very competition.
RB: Rico Lewis—Guardiola will likely make defensive changes for Thursday's encounter, despite Abdukodir Khusanov's solid display at right-back against United. Nevertheless, the Spanish coach has downplayed suggestions that the ex-Lens player will become City's permanent choice in that position.
CB: Rúben Dias—While John Stones continues his recovery, Dias should remain a fixture in City's defensive core.
CB: Nathan Aké—Joško Gvardiol has been gradually introduced to the new campaign, making another start unlikely after his full 90-minute appearance last weekend. Aké stands ready to give the Croatian defender some rest.
LB: Nico O'Reilly—The youth product developed into a reliable left-back last season and will probably take up that position again on Thursday, especially with Rayan Aït-Nouri facing another injury concern.
DM: Nico González—Rodri needs more time to return to his pre-injury standards. While there's still some rustiness to work through, Pep will want him available for Sunday's Arsenal fixture. Therefore, the manager might rotate González into the lineup against Napoli.
RW: Oscar Bobb—Bernardo Silva no longer provides significant creative impact from the right wing, so Bobb's inclusion should enhance City's attacking options.
CM: Phil Foden—Foden deserves the opportunity to continue his impressive derby showing, where he broke his nine-month Premier League scoring drought.
CM: Tijjani Reijnders—With Rayan Cherki unavailable, the versatile Dutchman should keep his spot in City's midfield. He'll be eager to impress in front of De Bruyne.
LW: Jérémy Doku—Doku delivered another strong weekend performance, though his responsibilities may change on Thursday. He'll probably focus on staying wide and challenging Giovanni Di Lorenzo in isolated situations.
ST: Erling Haaland—Haaland is in excellent form. The Norwegian striker continued his scoring streak in the derby, but he's not just pursuing the Premier League's top scorer award this season.
