CITY’S TEAM NEWS
Centre-backs Josko Gvardiol, John Stones and Ruben Dias are all absent due to injury, and Mateo Kovacevic is still sidelined.
“Ruben will be back soon,” said Pep Guardiola. “Josko, no. John, hopefully [back soon], we will see.”
The reigning champions are plugging the gap by closing in on a move for England international Marc Guehi but, although Crystal Palace have confirmed a deal is close, obviously no move has been finalised for the defender to play on Saturday.
Rodri has returned from his lay-off but Oscar Bobb is unavailable, and Omar Marmoush is still with Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations, as they meet Nigeria in the third/fourth-placed play-off this weekend.
Antoine Semenyo, who scored at Old Trafford for Bournemouth in the 4-4 draw last month, is in line for his Premier League debut for his new club.
A decision will be taken on Nico Gonzalez’s fitness after training on Friday.