Predicted Manchester City Lineup To Face Manchester United
It’s derby time and the city of Manchester would be all bright for the occasion, as Manchester City and Manchester United are set to take each other on at the Etihad stadium on Thursday night.
This is the first time since 1994 that the teams are facing each other on a Thursday night and the last time they did, United came out on top with a score line of 5-0.
The Manchester derby in recent years has always carried a lot of weight as Man City have thoroughly established themselves as one of the biggest clubs in England. This game is no different too, as the outcome of the game would decide which of the 4 teams between Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Arsenal make it to next season’s Champions League.
Manchester City are currently placed 4th in the table, 2 points behind Liverpool, but with two games in hand. Liverpool’s loss against Crystal Palace would have given City some hope of overtaking them and finishing 3rd in the table.
The loss last weekend to Arsenal in the FA Cup semifinal would still be running at the back of the Manchester City players’ minds, but they need to put it behind and push forward to try and finish in the top-4 of the league competition.
Team News
It is a huge blow for Pep Guardiola as both Sergio Aguero and David Silva are doubtful for the clash. It remains to be seen if Gabriel Jesus, Bacary Sagna and John Stones are included in the squad. The sure absentee is Ilkay Gundogan, who has been ruled out for the season.
Probable Manchester City XI:
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Manager: Pep Guardiola
Willy Caballero (GK)
Claudio Bravo seems to be in totally disastrous form and his lack of confidence showed up against Arsenal last weekend. Caballero will rightfully take his place.
Jesus Navas (RB)
Navas played as a right-back against Arsenal and did pretty well. He should once again start in the same position.
Vincent Kompany (CB)
The captain is looking good after returning from injury and he seems to have solidified the Manchester City defence. Despite conceding 2 goals against the Gunners, the City defence looked quite strong.
Nicolas Otamendi (CB)
The Argentine endured a difficult time at Wembley during the weekend but he is mature enough to put it behind and come back stronger. Should start alongside Kompany.
Aleksandar Kolarov (LB)
Clichy hasn’t been too impressive of late and this must see Kolarov take the field against Manchester United.
Fernandinho (CM)
Fernandinho Is vital for Manchester City and that wouldn’t change on Thursday. He will start as usual for Pep Guardiola.
Yaya Toure (CM)
He was the only bright spot in Manchester City’s frustrating loss to Arsenal in the FA Cup. He gave his team some hope until the very last minute. Carrick vs Yaya Toure? Sounds exciting indeed!
Kevin de Bruyne (CAM)
The top assist maker in the league wouldn’t be dropped for a game of this size and will surely start for City in a No.10 role.
Raheem Sterling (RW)
The Englishman came on as a substitute in the FA Cup game but should start this game from the beginning as the Citizens look to do a double over their local rivals.
Leroy Sane (LW)
The German youngster has been terrific in his first season in England and has taken the league by storm. He has Guardiola’s trust and that should see him start this Manchester Derby.
Kelechi Iheanacho (ST)
With Aguero doubtful and Gabriel Jesus having only just returned from his injury, we expect Pep to take a gamble here, by starting Iheanacho up front. We’ll have to see if the gamble would pay off.
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