As expected, Pep Guardiola has named a much-changed starting XI for the visit of Monaco.

The Blues boss made a total of eight changes for Saturday’s FA Cup tie at Huddersfield and he’s made seven tonight for Man City’s Champions League last 16 first leg clash.

Willy Caballero regains his place in goal, while David Silva and Yaya Toure – who were rested at the weekend – also return to the starting XI alongside Raheem Sterling.

The ever-versatile Fernandinho is employed at left-back, with Aleks Kolarov and Gael Clichy absent through injury.

Saturday’s substitutes Kevin De Bruyne and Leroy Sane are recalled, with Sergio Aguero leading the line upfront.

Pep Guardiola confirmed in his pre-match press conference that Vincent Kompany would miss out with a leg injury, while Ilkay Gundogan and Gabriel Jesus are long-term absentees.

Team

City XI: Caballero, Fernandinho, Stones, Otamendi, Sagna, De Bruyne, Toure, Silva, Sane, Sterling, Aguero.

Subs: Bravo, Zabaleta, Fernando, Delph, Navas, Nolito, Iheanacho.

Tactics

Facing a side who have been in devastating scoring form this season (they’ve bagged an incredible 26 goals more than second-placed PSG in Ligue 1), City will have to be rock solid defensively – particularly with away goals so crucial in the competition. As Guardiola said: Monaco are killers in the box!

It is not in the City boss’ nature of course to play with the sole intention of keeping a clean sheet however and with Toure on hand to support the back four, the Blues’ attack-minded players will be free to unleash their creative side.

With Sterling and Sane operating out wide, there’s plenty of pace on the wings. If they are able to get behind Monaco’s full-backs (who like to venture forward), chances will come, while De Bruyne and Silva will be freed up to supply Aguero.

Monaco XI

Subs: De Sanctis, Diallo, Toure, Dirar, Moutinho, Carrillo, Germain