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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Liam Wood

Kyle Walker starts as Man City fans name two changes they want to see vs Norwich

Manchester City supporters are urging Pep Guardiola to resist the temptation to make too many changes for the Premier League clash against Norwich.

With a Champions League date with Sporting Lisbon on the horizon - in Portugal on Tuesday night - City will take on the Canaries in the second part of a hugely-important triple header.

Brentford were beaten 2-0 on their trip to the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday night.

City were virtually full strength for that one - although John Stones deputised at right-back and Jack Grealish also missed out - but will Guardiola stick or twist on Saturday afternoon (5.30pm).

Here is how Manchester Evening News readers want City to line-up against Norwich;

Goalkeeper - Ederson

Although his understudy Zack Steffen is, perhaps, right at the top of the class when it comes to that role in the Premier League, there is only one number one at the Etihad Stadium. Ederson is the easiest choice Guardiola will have to make.

Defenders - Kyle Walker, Ruben Dias, Aymeric Laporte, Joao Cancelo

Despite the high-quality competition Guardiola has right across the pitch, you can almost certainly pick four from five when it comes to his first-choice Premier League defence. Or at least that's what we thought before the game against Brentford.

Kyle Walker, Ruben Dias and Joao Cancelo are the usual starters in that regard.

England international John Stones and Aymeric Laporte continue to tussle for that fourth spot - but it was Walker who made way for Stones last time out.

Supporters are calling for Guardiola to reinstate Walker here, though, and give City's back four a more familiar look.

Midfielders - Ilkay Gundogan, Rodri, Bernardo Silva

Even though Ilkay Gundogan would walk into most starting XIs in the division, the regular engine room this season has seen Bernardo Silva and Kevin de Bruyne anchored by Spain international Rodri.

Bernardo and Rodri were able to put their feet up seven days ago when Fulham came to town.

However, during that FA Cup tie and the follow-up game against Brentford, de Bruyne was afforded no time off as he started both matches.

With a flight to Portugal on the horizon, the Belgium playmaker has been handed that luxury here, at least as far as the fans are concerned, with Gundogan stepping in.

Forwards - Riyad Mahrez, Phil Foden, Raheem Sterling

Upon returning from Africa Cup of Nations duty with Algeria, silky-skilled Riyad Mahrez continued his purple patch with a penalty-spot opener against Brentford - his 16th goal in 27 appearances this season.

In some ways, the former Leicester City man has slipped under the radar.

Guardiola and City supporters are acutely aware of what he brings to the table, though, as he prepares to continue in attacking quarters alongside England duo Phil Foden and Raheem Sterling.

That leaves £100million man Jack Grealish waiting in the wings, once again, if the MEN readers get their way.

IN: Walker, Gundogan.

OUT: Stones, de Bruyne.

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