Manchester City lineup for Palermo clash revealed

Manchester City travel to Italy for a public pre-season clash with Palermo, testing a predicted lineup amid injuries and transfer uncertainty.

Manchester City Prepare for Palermo Friendly with Predicted XI

Manchester City head to the Renzo Barbera Stadium for a public pre-season clash with Palermo. The club released a 22-man squad, hinting at James Trafford as the likely starter to make his City debut after a return from Burnley. The lineup features Matheus Nunes at right back, a central pair of Abdukodir Khusanov and Nathan Ake, and Rayan Ait-Nouri at left back, with Tijjani Reijnders and Nico in midfield and Bernardo Silva as captain. Up front, Cherki and Marmoush join Haaland, while a list of substitutes is also named.

Several players are missing due to transfer uncertainty or fitness concerns. McAtee, Grealish, and Ortega are unavailable amid ongoing negotiations, while Rodri, Foden, Gvardiol and Echeverri are not fully fit. The injury list also includes Mateo Kovacic, Kalvin Phillips and Marcus Bettinelli. The match offers a chance to assess depth and tactical options ahead of the season.

City are balancing depth and flexibility as they navigate a crowded pre-season schedule. The predicted XI leans on positional versatility, with Nunes at right back and a back four that can shift in attack or defense. A double pivot of Reijnders and Nico could provide cover in midfield while Bernardo Silva anchors the team as captain. Cherki and Marmoush operating inside from wide roles could give City different avenues to press and link with Haaland up front. Trafford’s potential debut adds a tangible milestone to a summer of rotations.

This game is less about results and more about testing combinations and workload management. The absence of key players underscores the value of squad depth, while injuries remind the club to pace returns carefully. Playing Palermo, a fellow CFG member, adds a layer of cohesion testing across the group and helps City build relationships as they integrate new signings and prospects into regular duties ahead of the new season.

Highlights

Time will tell how this depth translates into a demanding season.