Match Preview: Manchester City vs Girona (Friendly)

Manchester City return to action on Saturday afternoon as they host Girona in a mid-season friendly at the City Football Academy.

Pep Guardiola’s side have been out of action since a 1-2 home defeat to Brentford in the Premier League last month – the final competitive fixture before 16 members of the first-team squad linked up with their national sides for the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

While a number of players remain away on holiday following their involvement in the international tournament – plus Julian Alvarez competing for football’s greatest prize in the showpiece final on Sunday afternoon – Manchester City have a relatively strong compliment of players available this weekend.

First-team regulars in Stefan Ortega, Sergio Gomez, Riyad Mahrez, and Erling Haaland have been with the Manchester City squad right from the very start of their warm-weather training camp in Abu Dhabi, and will likely feature against Girona on Saturday afternoon.

This week also saw the return of Kevin De Bruyne to first-team training, following his involvement with Belgium at the FIFA World Cup.

The friendly clash against the fellow City Football Group outfit is also likely to provide a number of youth players with a further opportunity to impress coaching staff, including the likes of Rico Lewis, Cole Palmer, and Carlos Borges.

The latter has been in fine form in front of goal across the youth academy ages so far this season, and will be keen to impress Pep Guardiola and co. in an attempt to strengthen his grip on a first-team place for the second-half of the season.

As for the visitors to the Academy Stadium this weekend, Girona currently sit 13th in the La Liga table and remain within contention of claiming a top-half finish this season, should their form maintain and improve following the World Cup.

When?

Manchester City against Girona will take place on Saturday 17 December, with kick-off scheduled for 13:00 (BST).

Where?

Manchester City’s only friendly fixture before the Carabao Cup fourth round tie against Liverpool next week will take place at the Academy Stadium, situated within the City Football Academy – across the road from the Etihad Stadium.

How to Watch?

You can watch the match live on City+ and Manchester City’s Recast channel.