Man City line-up v Viktoria Plzen: All change at the back?

Manchester City have already ensured their qualification for the knockout stage of the Champions League, but with first place up for contention in Group D, Manuel Pellegrini will still have his eye on the more comfortable draw that top spot facilitates. talkSPORT looks at City's possible line-up against Viktoria Plzen…

All change at the back?
One major change in the defensive side of City’s team has already been confirmed, with Manuel Pellegrini due to reinstate Joe Hart between the sticks. The manager will be tempted to rest a few of his defenders, too, and at the same time, won’t want to disrupt the good momentum his team built up from their 6-0 thrashing of Tottenham.

One player who could do with some rest is Pablo Zabaleta, who has started 13 games for City this season. In his place, Micah Richards could be handed a rare start. Martin Demichelis, on the other hand, could retain his place in the line-up, with the Argentine in particular need of a regular run of games due to a disruptive start to the campaign through injury. Alongside him, Joleon Lescott could continue, after coming on as a substitute in the victory against Spurs. Aleksandar Kolarov, meanwhile, could replace Gael Clichy should the Serbian make a sufficient recovery from illness.

Less changes in the attack?
City’s attacking play really clicked at the weekend, so Pellegrini may want to keep the same players involved as long as possible to avoid disrupting the understanding between his players. David Silva misses out through injury, so Samir Nasri remains favourite for one of the attacking midfield roles, while Jesus Navas may keep his place after a brace against Spurs, though could be replaced by James Milner.

Sergio Aguero and Alvaro Negredo are clearly City’s strongest front two at the moment, and could have a chance to continue their free-scoring form against weak opposition. One change to keep an eye out for is the introduction of John Guidetti. The Swede has featured in Manuel Pellegrini’s recent matchday squads, but has yet to make his return to the City first team, and Plzen could be the perfect opportunity for him to do so.