Guardiola to make 1 key change: Strongest 3-1-4-2 Manchester City XI to face Wolves

Predicted Manchester City line-up to face Wolves in the Premier League

Manchester City have made a solid start to their season with two consecutive wins. If the 2-0 victory over Arsenal on opening day was powerful, the 6-1 drubbing of Huddersfield Town was resounding, to say the least.

Sergio Aguero scored a couple of goals in the first half and followed it up with a 75th-minute strike to complete his hat-trick while David Silva put his name on the scoresheet courtesy a brilliant curling free-kick. Gabriel Jesus linked up well with Aguero and got his name among the scorers as well.

It was a goal fest for Manchester City and the 6-1 scoreline resembles that of a tennis game. However, Wolves are capable of giving the reigning champions a run for their money, particularly with the transfers they completed in the summer.

Team News

Kevin de Bruyne continues to remain on the treatment table with a knee injury which is expected to be a long-term one. Reserve goalkeeper Claudio Bravo will not be available for selection due to an Achilles tendon injury.

However, most of the regular players are available for selection.

Predicted Manchester City XI to face Wolves

Manager: Pep Guardiola

Formation: 3-1-4-2

Ederson Moraes (GK)

The Brazilian keeper has looked good with his feet. He perfectly suits Guardiola’s style and should retain his place after impressive displays against Arsenal and Huddersfield.

Kyle Walker (LCB)

Guardiola should play a back-three formation as he did against Huddersfield and Kyle Walker should replace Vincent Kompany. Although Spurs had little defending to do in the previous game, the Belgian looked shaky at the back. Meanwhile, Walker had a good game against Arsenal.

John Stones (CB)

The Englishman has taken his performance to a new level, starring at the back for City with some crucial tackles against Arsenal. He had a relatively easy game against Huddersfield and must start ahead of Nicolas Otamendi.

Aymeric Laporte (RCB)

The Frenchman has emerged as a regular starter in City’s line-up ahead of Otamendi and Eliaquim Mangala. He has justified his selection with some street-smart defending. 

Fernandinho (CDM)

The Brazilian is an indispensable member of the squad and is expected to start in his regular position.

Bernardo Silva (RAM)

The Portuguese international played as the central playmaker in the first game against Arsenal but was deployed down the right side by Guardiola in the second game. He proved his versatility in his new position as well, linking up with David Silva. He must surely start for City this weekend.

Ilkay Gundogan (RCM)

The former Borussia Dortmund man started the previous two games and has been impressive with a holding role in the attacking touch. Hence, Guardiola must hand the German another start this weekend.

David Silva (LCM)

Silva often adds guile and edge to City’s attack and he should continue in the playmaker’s role.

Benjamin Mendy (LAM)

The Frenchman was superb in City’s win in the last game as he tore the opposition apart with some pacy runs down the left side, making him likely to start this one as well.

Sergio Aguero (ST)

The Argentine scored a mesmerizing hat-trick against Huddersfield Town and proved his worth as a complete forward. He is City’s key man and is indispensable for their success.

Read More: Man City completing this £120,000-a-week deal could be a major turning point for Pep

Gabriel Jesus (ST)

The Brazilian did not hit top-gear in the last game but he got his name on the scoresheet with a fine goal.