Champions League can give Man City the Carabao Cup solution they needed

A look at the Manchester City talking points ahead of their Champions League game with Red Bull Leipzig

The weekend brought attention back to the atmosphere at the Etihad after Pep Guardiola was spotted urging more noise during a game in which neither group of fans was playing their best. There was not much to shout about during the game, and the lunchtime kickoff did not help, but there is also a discussion to be had regarding the fans present.

Due to City’s extraordinary success and Erling Haaland’s arrival, more people than ever are vying for tickets to see the show at the Etihad. And they have every right to go, but those numbers are growing and don’t always mix with the fans who have gone before and who are going to the game to cheer on the team as much as they are to watch the game.

It’s not appropriate to draw any broad conclusions from a Champions League matchup between an underdog team and City that needs a point to qualify, but it will be interesting to observe how packed the stadium is—City has sold an impressive number of tickets this season—and how that affects the noise level.

Following his illness, Jack Grealish returned to training. He will now try to earn a spot in the starting lineup after Jeremy Doku impressed most of the team against Liverpool. If Guardiola decides to rotate, Oscar Bobb is another choice; the youthful Norwegian scored his first goal for the country earlier this month.

Other than that, there is limited room for improvement due to injuries. Although Rodri might feel that he is necessary to lead them to the top spot, Kalvin Phillips should feel confident in his ability to start the game.

An opportunity for Gvardiol
Josko Gvardiol didn’t particularly enjoy having his story repeatedly brought up regarding the Champions League match he attended at the Etihad and lost 7-0. Erling Haaland did what Erling Haaland does, even though the last-16 tie was on the line that evening.

Not only does Gvardiol no longer have to play against Haaland, but he also plays for a team that has a far lower chance of losing 7-0. The circumstances of this match are ideal for the former RB Leipzig defender to create some pleasant memories.

Ederson versus Ortega

Guardiola chose Stefan Ortega over Ederson last year even though City had not yet confirmed their qualification. The Brazilian has been playing very well lately, but Ortega needs more games after City’s Carabao Cup exit.

Since the No. 2 has already stated that he can’t wait around in hopes of getting regular games, this is a good chance to start him in the lineup while Ederson is on the sidelines.