Pep Guardiola sprung a selection surprise with his Manchester City team for Saturday’s Premier League game with Everton.
Nathan Ake was drafted into the defence ahead of Josko Gvardiol and John Stones for a first top-flight start since February.
The 31-year-old had been linked with an exit during the summer, with Everton among the clubs credited with an interest. He featured for the Netherlands during the international break but Ronald Koeman made it clear that regular football will be required to secure a spot in the squad for the World Cup.
Ake’s appearance against Everton seems to confirm that Gvardiol will start in Tuesday’s Champions League clash away at Villarreal.
You can ink Stones in the XI as well, probably at right back, given Abdukodir Khusanov is sidelined, Matheus Nunes started against Everton and Rico Lewis has fallen down the pecking order. Stones played at right back in the 2-2 European draw with Monaco earlier this month.
Bernardo Silva also seems certain to come back into the team in midweek having been left out at the weekend. The skipper also started in Monaco and offers more control in the midfield along with a wealth of big-game experience.
City have taken four points from their opening two Champions League games while Villarreal have a draw and a defeat to their name so far.
The Blues beat Everton 2-0 in the top flight on Saturday and Guardiola was pleased to see the strength in depth his side possess.
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“The impact of the guys from the bench, Bernardo, Oscar (Bobb) and Rayan Cherki that has special talent,” said Guardiola after the victory over Everton.
“Rico and Kova too. We have another victory and it’s good to restart after 10 days. In the first 20 minutes, this always happens after international break.
“We are not completely in the dynamic that we have. With a win against Brentford we had a good result but then we struggle to come back.
“In general, it was a good game, especially in the second half and this weekend we will sleep in the Champions League positions. That’s good.”
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