Fernandinho (32), David Silva (31), and De Bruyne (26) all of which played 90 min on Saturday will come up against Diawara (20), Zielinski (23) and Hamsik (30). Diawara did not play at all on Saturday, Zielinski played 27 minutes and Hamsik played 67 minutes.
Their fitness levels will be much much higher. One of Kevin or David absolutely must be rested. Ideally both.
Not only will their fitness levels be lower but this match will use up a lot of everyone’s energy.
It’s not only about the next game. Arsenal at home is massive and they will rest all their important players in the Europa League. If Pep doesn’t rotate I won’t be surprised if we lose both.
But Pep knows what to do. Most likely well see Gundogan and De Bruyne start with Kevin being subbed off.