Rayan Aït-Nouri could make first Manchester City start

Rayan Aït-Nouri is in line for his first start since joining Manchester City when they face AEK Athens in the Champions League. The opportunity would mark a significant change for the Algeria international, who has remained unused in the Premier League and has made only one European appearance this season.

Aït-Nouri played 15 minutes in City’s opening Champions League fixture at Porto before staying on the bench against Paris Saint-Germain. City began the competition with a 2-0 away victory in Portugal but then lost 4-2 at home to the defending champions. AEK also have one win and one defeat, beating LASK 1-0 before falling 3-1 away to Shakhtar Donetsk.

Coach Enzo Maresca has indicated that squad rotation is under consideration during a demanding period, with several players having featured regularly for club and country. Erling Haaland is among those who may be given rest, while Mateo Kovacic, Matheus Nunes and Nico O’Reilly missed training after being taken off with injuries against Ipswich. O’Reilly, last season’s Premier League young player of the year, has been Aït-Nouri’s main rival for the left wing-back role.

The possible start comes after a difficult September camp with Algeria, when Aït-Nouri clashed with Brahim Hemdani and left before the team’s trip to Burundi. A strong showing in Athens would give him a chance to rebuild momentum at club level and strengthen his position with the national side.