John Stones and Mateo Kovacic could return for Manchester City when they face Tottenham on Sunday.
City’s injury worries are slowly being eased after Jack Grealish returned from illness this week and Stones is 'very good’ after sitting on the bench for the last two games.
The Blues had a poor first half against RB Leipzig in the Champions League this week but overturned a two-goal deficit to make it 3-2 after the debuts of Nathan Ake, Jeremy Toku and Julian Alvarez. After the game, Guardiola called his team 'lucky’ to win, but praised their character in the comeback.
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Ahead of the Spurs game, Guardiola said Stones was getting closer to a return, while Mateo Kovacic is back in training and will be in contention for a feature. Matheus Nunes is out, but he’s not far from returning on his own.
Read how our writers think City should line up below and use the interactive widget to pick your own starting XI:
Simon Bajkowski
Jeremy Toku and Julian Alvarez both performed well enough to secure their places in this week’s XI. Jack Grealish made doku not attacking with a purpose, while Alvarez made things happen.
Pep Guardiola said John Stones could start on Sunday, but it feels risky against a good side when there are plenty of options without Stones. Manu Akanji fills the role and has grown into it, let alone Tuesday. Nathan Ake deserves a start after making the team against RB Leipzig, although it would be a big game to drop Ruben Diaz despite how bad he has been in the Champions League; Josko Guardiol may have to make way.
Phil Foden took charge of City’s return to action on Tuesday and Bernardo Silva has been at his best for some time.
Pick your best team here:
Joe Bray
Ruben Diaz has been a poor substitute this week at half-time, but he is the best centre-back available and should keep his place against Spurs. Nathan Ake has had two excellent games in the last week and should return at centre-back, with Josco Guardiola at left-back.
Julian Alvarez and Jeremy Doku were rested against Leipzig but were converted at 0-2 to make it 3-2, so both should return to the starting XI in what will be an open game. Toku should relish the opportunity to test himself, especially against Spurs’ highline and inverted full-backs.
Phil Foden could operate on the right wing, or Kyle Walker could come in as a second number ten if pushed up, with Bernardo Silva providing some support in the middle next to Rodry.