Enzo Fernandez moved from Chelsea to Manchester City in a record deal on deadline day earlier this week. Could he go straight into the starting XI?
We'll find out when Man City hosts Coventry City on Saturday at the Etihad Stadium. The Argentina international hasn't had much time to work with his new teammates, but he's familiar to manager Enzo Maresca, who worked with Fernandez at Chelsea before his departure.
Now, taking over for legendary City manager Pep Guardiola, the Italian boss may be tempted to give him an early opportunity against a Coventry side looking for its first point since returning to the top division. Manager Frank Lampard told USA TODAY Sports before the season that he was ready for a tough start to the season, opening with
trips to Arsenal and Manchester City, but felt his team could compete.
City will be without winger Jeremy Doku, who is still dealing with a calf injury, but Maresca can otherwise call on a team full of stars including forward Erling Haaland, who scored twice in last week's win over Crystal Palace, and Rayan Cherki.
So who will make the XI, and will Enzo Fernandez be included? Here is our projection for how the Sky Blues will line up:
Manchester City predicted starting lineup vs. Coventry City
Goalkeeper: Gianluigi Donnarumma
Defenders: Abdukodir Khusanov, Ruben Dias, Marc Guehi, Josko Gvardiol
Defensive Midfielders: Nico O'Reilly, Elliot Anderson
Wingers and attacking midfielder: Phil Foden, Rayan Cherki, Antoine Semenyo
Forward: Erling Haaland
How to watch Manchester City vs. Coventry City, kickoff time
- When: Saturday, Sept. 5
- Where: Etihad Stadium (Manchester, England)
- Time: 10 a.m. ET
- Channel/streaming: USA Network (Watch LIVE on Sling), Telemundo
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Manchester City projected lineup vs Coventry: Will Enzo Fernandez start after big transfer?
