Manchester City will be without two key defenders for Saturday lunchtime's Premier League trip to Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
Pep Guardiola has confirmed that both Nathan Ake (unspecified) and Kyle Walker (hamstring) remain sidelined with injuries, but goalkeeper Ederson could make his first appearance since picking up a muscle injury in a 1-1 draw at Liverpool on March 10.
John Stones, meanwhile, has watched on as an unused substitute in City's last two league games - including City's 4-1 victory over Aston Villa on Wednesday - since sustaining a groin problem on England duty, and it remains to be seen whether the defender will be fit to feature in some capacity on Saturday.
Should Guardiola decide against selecting Stones, a back four of Rico Lewis, Manuel Akanji, Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol is likely remain intact, with Lewis given the licence to drift into midfield as he did against Villa. However, left-back Sergio Gomez could be handed a rare start is Guardiola wishes to manage Gvardiol's game time amid a busy fixture schedule.
Both Rodri and Bernardo Silva were withdrawn with 15 minutes remaining against Villa and the midfield duo are expected to start on Saturday, with the latter either continuing in a central role or operating out on the right wing.
After scoring a hat-trick in midweek, Phil Foden will be looking to earn another start in the number 10 role, although Guardiola will consider recalling Kevin De Bruyne, who was rested against Villa, and could either start the Belgian instead of or alongside Foden in a central role.
Jeremy Doku and Jack Grealish both impressed on the flanks against Villa and will be hoping to retain their starting spots, although considering the latter has only recently returned from injury, he may begin as a substitute this time around.
Like De Bruyne, Erling Haaland was somewhat surprisingly benched in midweek, but the striker – who has not scored in 12 of his last 17 appearances for club and country – is expected to return on Saturday, which would likely see Julian Alvarez make way.
Manchester City possible starting lineup: Ortega; Lewis, Akanji, Dias, Gvardiol; Rodri; Bernardo, De Bruyne, Foden, Doku; Haaland
Oliver Thomas
