Football

Joe Hart and Yaya Toure could start Manchester City’s Steaua clash

City boss Guardiola admits both players could be handed their first competitive starts of the season.

Manchester City's Joe Hart warms up before the matchHart looks set to start for City tomorrow

Manchester City outcasts Yaya Toure and Joe Hart could be in line to start Wednesday’s Champions League qualifier with Steaua Bucharest, FourFourTwo has reported.

City look almost certain to progress to the group stages of Europe’s premier club competition having earned a 5-0 lead over the Romanians in the first leg.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola with Yaya Toure as he is substituted as Raheem Sterling (L) prepares to come on

As a result, Guardiola is expected to shuffle the pack for his side, meaning Toure and Hart could be in line for their first competitive appearances of the season.

Toure once fell out of favour with the Catalan when the pair worked together at Barcelona, and his lack of appearances this season has sparked speculation about whether he will have a part to play in City’s new-look side.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola during training

Meanwhile, speculation is rife that Hart is poised to be replaced by Barcelona’s Claudio Bravo, meaning his days as City’s number one could be drawing to a close.

However, Guardiola reportedly told a press conference that both players are in the running for a start on Wednesday.

According to FourFourTwo, he told a press conference: “Joe Hart and Yaya Toure have a chance to play tomorrow. We had 28 players in the training session. It’s difficult for me to leave players who deserve to play out.

Manchester City's Joe Hart warms up with Willy Caballero before the match

“We’ve played tough games in the last week. I will make some rotations with the players.

“I like to play with a short squad with three, four or five players who are multi-functional. That won’t happen because we have a huge squad with long contracts.

“Also the Premier League has a much more physical game.”

Related Topics