Predicted Man City line-up to face Southampton in the Premier League
Champions Manchester City will be aiming to continue their near-perfect start to the season when they welcome Southampton to the Etihad this Sunday.
Pep Guardiola’s men displayed substance over style against Tottenham on a dodgy pitch and came out on top. They are like a team who can face any challenge and come out on top.
That is something which would terrorise teams like Southampton, who are struggling for form at the moment. Mark Hughes’ side just cannot seem to score goals this season. They have to score at least once or twice if City are to be stopped. For the Cityzens, it is a question of how many they can score.
Team News
Kevin de Bruyne looked uncomfortable while walking off against Fulham in the Carabao Cup tie. Ilkay Gundogan and Claudio Bravo are out for a few weeks now, the latter being a long-term absentee.
Probable Manchester City XI
Formation: 4-3-3
Manager: Pep Guardiola
Ederson (GK)
The Brazilian was given a game off against Fulham. He will slot straight back in goal for the league game.
Kyle Walker (RB)
He was an unused substitute on Thursday as City strolled past the Cottagers. Another player who could slot back into the line-up for Sunday.
John Stones (CB)
The Englishman’s partnership with Aymeric Laporte is telepathically fantastic and solid at the back.
Aymeric Laporte (CB)
Laporte has probably been City’s best defender this season, on and off the ball. He has been superlative and elegant.
Benjamin Mendy (LB)
The Frenchman struggled against Spurs when runs were made in behind him. He is expected to do better than what he displayed on Monday.
Fernandinho (CDM)
The Brazilian is like an orchestrator in defensive midfield, shielding the back-four and also driving the team forward with intelligent passing and immense work rate.
David Silva (LCM)
The Spaniard is starting to run games on his own, which is a frightening prospect for the opposition as City have good players in every position.
Bernardo Silva (RCM)
The other Silva is quietly putting in performances which are important to the team. In the absence of de Bruyne, the Portuguese has adapted to his new position with aplomb.
Raheem Sterling (LW)
The Englishman was at his menacing best on Monday, troubling Kieran Trippier all game long. Southampton’s Cedric would be bracing for more of the same.
Sergio Aguero (ST)
The striker’s form in front of the goal has been terrific this season. He is way ahead of the order with Gabriel Jesus down on confidence.
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Riyad Mahrez (RW)
The Algerian is slowly starting to learn the Pep way and is flourishing. He is keeping Leroy Sane out of the team at the moment.
