How Manchester City could line up against Young Boys

Manchester City head coach Pep Guardiola might be forced to work around the absence of star striker Erling Haaland for Tuesday's Champions League clash with Young Boys in Group G.

While the rest of his teammates revelled in a 6-1 beating of Bournemouth at the weekend, the Norway international watched the second half from the sidelines after twisting his ankle in the opening 45.

Guardiola is yet to rule Haaland out of the clash with the Swiss champions, but with a blockbuster Premier League battle with Chelsea on the horizon, the Catalan coach should take this opportunity to rest his marksman.

Haaland could therefore be one of three absentees for the holders, who also have Kevin De Bruyne working his way back from a severe hamstring problem, while Sergio Gomez was seen on crutches at the weekend after picking up an unspecified issue in training.

Haaland's potential absence should see Julian Alvarez start as City's focal point, likely with Phil Foden and Jeremy Doku either side of him after the latter single-handedly destroyed Bournemouth with one goal and four assists over the weekend.

Despite the possibility of a recall for Foden, there should still be scope for Jack Grealish to come back in on the left-hand side, while Kyle Walker's spot on the right flank is seemingly not up for debate.

After being given the nod in midfield against Young Boys two weeks ago, Rico Lewis may be handed another opportunity to strut his stuff alongside Rodri in the middle, although Matheus Nunes is another well-rested option.

Neither Ruben Dias nor Josko Gvardiol were seen in action over the weekend, but the pair could now join Swiss native Manuel Akanji in the three-man rearguard as Ederson's fearsome shield.

Manchester City possible starting lineup: Ederson; Akanji, Dias, Gvardiol; Walker, Rodri, Lewis, Grealish; Doku, Alvarez, Foden