Manchester City face Celtic tonight in a game that really means very little for both sides. Pep Guardiola’s side are now safely through to the knockout stages of the Champions League as they have a preferable head-to-head record over Borussia Monchengladbach. Celtic, on the other hand, have already been eliminated – their fate is sealed and they’re merely playing for pride at the Etihad.
City are fresh from a 3-1 defeat against Chelsea in front of their home supporters. They will no doubt be keen to make amends with a victory tonight and end their group campaign on a positive note.
Guardiola has outlined City’s intentions with a strong starting lineup tonight. Kelechi Iheanacho is given the nod upfront as he prepares to deputise for the suspended Sergio Aguero in their upcoming matches. There is a surprise in midfield, as Pablo Zabaleta starts alongside Fernando. Perhaps Guardiola is hoping the Argentine can be his new Philipp Lahm. There’s two teenagers in defence, as Pablo Maffeo starts at right-back and Tosin Adarabioyo partners Bacary Sagna at centre-back.
TEAM NEWS | Here’s how City line-up tonight! #cityvceltic #mcfc pic.twitter.com/iFXRlesoP9
— Manchester City (@ManCity) December 6, 2016
? Celtic team to face @ManCity in the @ChampionsLeague. #CityvCeltic #UCL #COYBIG pic.twitter.com/apWB4435tq
— Celtic Football Club (@celticfc) December 6, 2016