"Manchester City will hope two of their former heroes do not derail their chances of securing a place in the Champions League round of 16 tomorrow night. City start the final matchday in the league phase in 11th place but know a win against Turkish giants Galatasaray will likely see them advance without the need for a two-legged play-off next month. Galatasaray are 17th but only a freakish set of results would deny them a place in the top 24."
"Leroy Sane and Ilkay Gundogan are likely to start for the visitors - the pair having won a combined seven Premier League titles with City. Pep Guardiola said: "A huge contribution and my gratitude is eternal for both of them. Incredibly lovely persons, incredible mates. Happy to see them back tomorrow! "He [Gundogan] was here a little longer than Leroy but they were great." Erling Haaland was left out of the starting XI for the home win over Wolves on Saturday after scoring just once in nine appearances but Guardiola backed the Norwegian to come good. "The team; they have to play better, create more chances, and he will score," said the Catalan. "Never underestimate the strikers, the goalscorers because always they will make you silent. He is going to score for the rest of his life, that's for sure.""
Manchester City host Galatasaray with a likely Champions League round-of-16 berth available to the winners. City occupy 11th place in the group and a victory would probably remove the need for a two-legged play-off next month. Galatasaray sit 17th but remain almost certain to reach the top 24. Leroy Sané and Ilkay Gundogan are expected to start for Galatasaray and Pep Guardiola publicly praised their contributions. Erling Haaland has struggled for goals recently but received Guardiola's backing. City face defensive shortages with Ruben Dias, John Stones and Josko Gvardiol sidelined, and Rodri suspended.
Read at 101GREATGOALS.COM
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