The general stage of the UEFA Champions League has reached a decisive point: the continent's strongest teams will play the final matches of the 8th round, after which the names of the 24 teams that will continue the competition will be determined.
Abdukodir Khusanov, a member of the Uzbekistan national team, is also in the spotlight. He is fully training with Manchester City ahead of the crucial clash against Turkish champions Galatasaray.
What composition did City Xtra predict?
City's website cityxtra.co.uk, which closely monitors City's life, has compiled an estimated starting lineup for City ahead of the upcoming match. According to them, the team is in a difficult situation - due to injuries and the condition of some players, there are few options in certain positions, so the coaching staff relies on the most reliable combination.
According to the source's assumption, the composition could be as follows:
Goalkeeper
- Gianluigi Donnarumma - experts describe him as one of the most influential figures at City this season.
Protection
- Mateusz Nunes has returned to his position on the right wing, significantly improving his game.
- It is expected that Abdukodir Khusanov will pair up with Nathan Ake in the center. The source explained this decision by the high number of injuries and the limited availability of reliable options at the center.
- Nico O'Reilly is shown as a left-sided player distinguished by his stability and useful movements.
City Xtra's main emphasis is on one thing: if Khusanov's speed, intensity, and physical preparedness coincide with Ake's experience, this combination could be very useful on the night when victory is needed.
Midfield
- Tijani Reynders and Bernardo Silva - for controlling the ball in the center, controlling the tempo of the game, and making the right decisions.
- Phil Foden - in the "ten" position. Although the source acknowledged that he hasn't been in his best form lately, he wrote about the belief that he will always "explode" in big games.
Attack
- Ryan Sherki is noted as the player providing oxygen to the team with assists on the right wing.
- Erling Haaland - even though goals have stopped, his "class" is undeniable: he "pulls" the opponent's defense and opens the field for others.
- Jeremy Doku - increases pressure with movement, speed, and dribbling on the left wing.
Estimated starting lineup (City Xtra):
- Donnarumma; Nunesh, Khusanov, Ake, Niko O'Rayli; Reynders, Bernardo Silva; Foden; Sherki, Haaland, Doku.
When does the game start?
The Manchester City vs. Galatasaray match kicks off at 1:00 AM Tashkent time on the night of January 28th to 29th.
The conclusion is: tonight is a big test for both City and Khusanov. And the fan likes this - where there's pressure, character emerges. If the Khusanov-Ake pair in the center gives confidence, the weather may open up for Haaland ahead.
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