City starting XI and team news
Bravo, Zabaleta (c), Otamendi, Kolarov, Clichy, Fernandinho, Gundogan, Silva, Sterling, Nolito, Aguero
Subs: Caballero, Sagna, Fernando, Navas, Sane, Stones, Iheanacho
Not too many surprises with Nolito recalled and Ilkay Gundogan slotting beside David Silva in the role temporarily vacated by Kevin De Bruyne. Fernandinho looks set to be the pivotal midfielder, breaking up play and starting forward momentum from his shielding position just in front of the back four.
Kolarov central to European plans?
Aleksandar Kolarov’s season just keeps getting better and so well has he settled into his role as one of the central defenders, he wins selection this evening over John Stones.
Kolarov has proved surprisingly dominant in the air and his ability to ping a 60 or 70 yard pass to feet is obviously something the manager likes.
What will Celtic have learned?
The 7-0 defeat by Barcelona may have been accepted with dignity by Brendan Rodgers, but it hurt the supporters, the players and the manager and they will want to show they are not the Group C ‘bunnies’.
Rodgers has called upon the 60,000 home crowd to make this evening uncomfortable for the City players, many of whom won’t have experienced such a partisan atmosphere and if the Hoops start well, it could be a difficult evening for Pep Guardiola’s side.
Expect Celtic to race out of the blocks and try and unsettle the Blues - but they could pay the price if they leave too many gaps with any high press.
Celtic line-up
