Joe Hart is back in the game after returning to the first team as Manchester City take on Steaua Bucharest in the second leg of their Champions League play-off. Follow the action live online!
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Guardiola has benched 29-year-old England worldwide Hart, citing concerns about his passing ability, and selected Argentine Willy Caballero for City’s first three games of the season.
With the incoming Claudio Bravo, who is currently in Manchester reportedly finalizing his move from Barcelona, set to be Guardiola’s first choice in goal, Hart has now found himself as Manchester City’s No. 3 goalkeeper.
Although the night was somewhat spoiled by Kelechi Iheanacho pulling up after chasing a ball into the box with what looked to be a serious injury.
Premier League titles followed in 2011-12 and 2013-14, with four-time Golden Glove-winner Hart a standout performer at home and overseas, as he impressed despite City’s less convincing tilts at Champions League glory.
That means Wednesday’s match in Manchester, with City 5-0 up following a dominant first-leg showing, is likely to be an emotionally charged affair for fan favourite Hart.
Steaua, meanwhile, can go into this game with little fear.
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Steaua starting XI: Cojocaru, Mitrea, Tamaş, Hamroun, Tudorie, Muniru Sulley, Momčilović, Aganović, Popescu, Enache.
