Man City could bench midfielder Bernardo Silva during the Champions League final against Inter Milan next Saturday.
This according to today’s print edition of Rome-based newspaper Corriere dello Sport, via FCInterNews, who report that the 28-year-old could drop to the bench in favour of Riyad Mahrez on the Cityzens’ right flank against the Nerazzurri in Istanbul.
Like Inter’s Simone Inzaghi, City coach Pep Guardiola has less than a week in which to make his final decision regarding the starting eleven in Istanbul.
Both Inzaghi and Guardiola have developed fairly settled starting elevens throughout their sides’ strong respective finishes to the season.
However, according to the Corriere, Guardiola could make a few changes to the team for the final against Inter.
The newspaper report that, compared to the team that beat Manchester United in the FA Cup final, Guardiola is thinking of three changes.
Man City Star Bernardo Silva Could Be Dropped For Inter Showdown
Perhaps the most eye-catching change that Guardiola could make would be on the right flank.
Former Monaco midfielder and Portguese star Bernardo Silva has been a key player for City over the last few seasons. The 28-year-old certainly underlined this with his decisive brace against Real Madrid in a semifinal second leg.
Bernardo also started for City in the FA Cup final against their city rivals United.
According to the Corriere, however, Guardiola is seriously considering dropping Bernardo to the bench against Inter.
The newspaper reports that former Leicester City man Riyad Mahrez could take his place in the starting eleven.
Meanwhile, the newspaper report that goalkeeper Ederson will regain his starting place. Stefan Ortega had been the man to start in the FA Cup final against United.
Lastly, the Corriere anticipate that defender Nathan Ake will be back in the team. He will take the place of Kyle Walker in the Citzyens’ backline.
