Kalvin Phillips starts as Julian Alvarez decision made – Man City fans pick their team vs Nottingham Forest

Manchester City have won all five of their Premier League games this season, but Pep Guardiola will now have to alternate midweek matches, adding to a busy schedule.

Manchester City return to action at home to Nottingham Forest this afternoon and supporters want to see Kalvin Phillips get a rare start.

Pep Guardiola’s side began their Champions League defense with a 3-1 win over Black Star Zvezda on Tuesday night, Julian Alvarez scored twice before Rodri but the result was no longer in doubt. It was another astute performance from the Blues, who responded well to being behind before half-time.

One of the biggest shocks of the evening was the injury to Bernardo Silva, who had to leave the field after just 44 minutes at the Etihad. Guardiola confirmed on Friday that the midfielder will be out for “a few days” and fans have decided to replace him with Phillips this afternoon.

The 27-year-old has had a difficult start to life at City since arriving from boyhood club Leeds United last summer. Injury problems and competing with Rodri limited him to just two starts in the Premier League last season and he has only managed 15 minutes off the bench so far this campaign.

But lacking the necessary options and rotation, supporters have chosen to place Phillips in central midfield alongside current Rodri and summer signing Matheus Nunes. Mateo Kovacic may be fit to sit on the bench this afternoon but is unlikely to play.

The inclusion of Phillips in midfield would see Julian Alvarez move to the right wing in Silva’s absence.The Argentine scored twice in midweek and is enjoying an exceptional start to the season, with Guardiola admitting he is one of the first names on the squad sheet.

The fans decided to keep Jeremy Doku on the bench in the afternoon, while Phil Foden kept his place on the left wing. It is hoped that Jack Grealish will be fit enough to play alongside the reserve players. Despite an unusually meaningless start to the season, Erling Haaland’s seven goals in eight appearances must have other teams fearing what will happen when he gets his shooting boots back.

And Guardiola is expected to make two changes at the back, with Josko Gvardiol and Manuel Akanji replacing Sergio Gomez and Nathan Ake respectively. Ruben Dias and Kyle Walker have both been regulars in Man City’s backline this season, as has Ederson behind them.