In Saturday's Premier League match at the Etihad Stadium against Fulham, Jeremy Doku is expected to make his Manchester City debut.
The international player from Belgium, who just joined the Club last week, was on the bench for our 2-1 victory over Sheffield United but didn't play at Bramall Lane.
He is joined in the starting lineup by Phil Foden and Manuel Akanji, with Josko Gvardiol and Bernardo Silva serving as his backups. Jack Grealish, the only change from last weekend, is missing due to injury.
Foden, who has had an outstanding start to the season, contributed significantly to our late victory against the Blades last time out and has been given the go-ahead to start the match at the Etihad alongside Akanji, who Lillo acknowledged was merely out last week as a precaution.
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This afternoon, the newest hire Matheus Nunes, who came from Wolverhampton Wanderers of the Premier League, is also on the bench.
Ederson, Walker (captain), Dias, Akanji, Ake, Rodrigo, Kovacic, Foden, Doku, Alvarez, and Haaland make up the City XI.
Ortega Moreno, Carson, Phillips, Bernardo, Gómez, Gvardiol, Nunes, Bobb, Lewis are available as substitutes.
Wilson, Pereira, De Cordova-Reid, Jimenz, Leno, Tete, Diop, Ream, Robinson, Reed, Cairney (C),
Rodak, Bassey, Castagne, Francois, Adama, Willian, Muniz, Vinicius, and Harris are available as substitutes.
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It's anticipated that City will start the game in our regular 4-3-3 shape, but given the versatility of the team, that formation is sure to change as the game goes on.
Walker, Dias, Akanji, and Ake make up the starting back four to protect Ederson between the sticks.
Rodrigo will occupy his normal spot in front of the defense, and Kovacic and Foden are anticipated to complete the midfield three.
Doku and Alvarez will help center-forward Haaland at the sharp end.
KUDO DEBUT DELICIOUS
Doku, who was not used as a substitute last weekend, will have the chance to show off his abilities against Fulham this afternoon.
The Belgian international, a dynamic winger with speed and outstanding dribbling skills, adds a new dimension to City's attack and will be eager to contribute as we try to maintain our perfect start to the season.
Walker will be the ideal counterbalance for Doku if he starts on the right because of his pace, which will cause defenders to move out of position and allow the winger to take advantage of the space behind them.
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ANOTHER MILESTONE FROM HAALAND?
Should he find the net this afternoon, Erling Haaland would be poised to break yet another record.
The Norwegian has made 39 appearances and is just one goal away from hitting 40 in the Premier League.
That would break Alan Shearer's previous record by six, capping a memorable week that included a goal against Sheffield United and him winning the PFA Player of the Year and UEFA Men's Footballer of the Year awards.
Last season, Haaland scored from the penalty spot in both of his goals against Fulham at home and away. Could he pull off the same ruse this afternoon and create Premier League history once more?
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TO FEATURE NUNES?
Could Matheus Nunes' City debut be presented to the public this afternoon?
The midfielder comes from Wolves, where Julen Lopetegui praised him for his drive, work ethic, and creativity.
Given such attributes, it's understandable why City were eager to hire him; at his pre-game press conference, Lillo said that he can give the team a new energy.
Nunes didn't participate in training yesterday, according to our assistant coach, but he is on the bench this afternoon.
He is certain to contribute significantly if called upon to do so.
