Guardiola benches Fernandinho and Rodri for Champions League final, Sterling starts

Pep Guardiola sprung a team news surprise for Manchester City’s Champions League final against Chelsea, leaving both club captain Fernandinho and fellow holding midfielder Rodri on the bench.

Saturday’s clash at Porto’s Estadio do Dragao is City’s 61st game of the campaign. At least one of Rodri or Fernandinho has started each of the previous 60.

Despite taking a knock to the thigh in training on Friday, Ilkay Gundogan – City’s top scorer this term with 17 in all competitions – looks like he will start at the base of the midfield.

England winger Raheem Sterling is recalled to the forward line, aiming to build on a return of one club goal since February, with Riyad Mahrez, Phil Foden, Kevin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva providing ample attacking support.

 

— Manchester City (@ManCity) May 29, 2021

It is not the first time Guardiola’s selection for a key game has led to raised eyebrows. The decision to deploy a back three in last season’s Champions League quarter-final against Lyon backfired horribly as the Ligue 1 side ran out 3-1 winners.