The deadline for the submission of Champions League squad lists is looming. With the January signing of Wilfried Bony, one of Manchester City’s existing squad members will have to make way for his inclusion.

Here is a short rundown of contenders for the drop.

Willy Cabellero

The Argentinian goalkeeper has had his chances for playing time limited already this season. With Joe Hart finding a decent level of consistency to compliment his excellent shot stopping, Manuel Pellegrini may be tempted to put his faith solely in England’s number one. Members of City’s EDS side such as Angus Gunn could make the step up to fill Cabellero’s shoes without taking up a spot. Veteran Richard Wright would be available as an emergency back-up if absolutely necessary.

Stevan Jovetic

The Montenegrin has failed to make much of an impact for Manchester City this season. As City will once more have a full complement of forwards, this may mean that Jovetic will be seen as the most dispensable of the four. Him and Wilfried Bony are polar opposites in many ways, with Jovetic’s lack of physical presence a clear issue against more rigid back lines.

Bacary Sagna

Full disclaimer, I am not a fan of the French right back, not least after his performances for Manchester City so far this season. However, even looking at it objectively his exclusion would probably make the most sense. Pablo Zabaleta is the clear first choice for big games, and so Sagna would only ever be injury back up. If the worst comes to pass, Gael Clichy can also do a job at right back just in case.

Edin Dzeko

After being linked with moves away from Manchester City in the January transfer window, Dzeko’s future at the club has been called into question. Some papers are reporting that due to Stevan Jovetic’s increased game time, Dzeko would be the forward who is sacrificed. This isn’t taking into account Dzeko’s useful habit of scoring when we really need him too. Right now, City can’t afford to lose him with the big games against Barcelona coming up.

Conclusion?

The players who are certainly safe due to home grown and club trained rules are: Joe Hart, Gael Clichy, Frank Lampard, James Milner and Dedryck Boyata. Personally I feel that the choice comes down to Bacary Sagna and Stevan Jovetic. Losing a goalkeeper, even a reserve one is a dangerous gamble. Losing a striker like Edin Dzeko who is comfortable in Pellegrini’s system would also be a mistake. So, Sagna or Jovetic, who can City afford to lose?