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The easy choice would be to start Sergio Agüero against Porto in Manchester City’s first game of the Champions League season.
Agüero was unharmed within an hour of the victory over Arsenal, and is the only natural forward for City in the senior category with Gabriel Jesús injured.
But that reason is enough for Pep Guardiola to think twice before including Agüero in the starting eleven of the visit to Porto. After three months out and many games ahead, the last thing City want to do is rush Agüero and force another injury.
So perhaps the wisest option is to manage Aguero’s return and keep him as an option from the bench, if necessary, on Wednesday. Raheem Sterling is in good shape and can move to the center, while Ferran Torres can take that spot on the wing after being an unused substitute against Arsenal.
In midfield, Guardiola will weigh the need to refresh things with the desire to maintain a certain rhythm. Ilkay Gundogan and Fernandinho can replace Phil Foden and Rodri, with Gundogan being the first name on the Europe roster. Bernardo Silva may get the go-ahead from Foden for his knowledge of the Portuguese game against Primeira Liga opponents.
Guardiola has more decisions to make on defense, with a more recognizable defense surely after the experimental formation against Arsenal.
Joao Cancelo can revert to left back, with Kyle Walker on the right and Ruben Dias in the middle. There is possibly a case for John Stones to go on defense to rest Nathan Ake’s legs, but after his own injury suspension, it would be wiser to take him off the bench.
Man City XI vs Porto Prediction: Ederson; Walker, Dias, Ake, Cancello; Fernandinho, Gundogan, Bernardo; Mahrez, Torres, Sterling.
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