It’s been a poor week so far for Manchester City as they were dumped out of the FA Cup by Arsenal at Wembley, much to the disappointment of the Citizens fans lining the bar here in the Transfer Tavern.
They watched on in horror as Alexis Sanchez scored a winner in extra-time to take the pressure off the shoulders of under-fire Arsene Wenger, but it means a trophyless season for Manchester City, who have been on for one for the most part this campaign.
And with arguably the biggest game of the season on the horizon this week, it’s time for some of the biggest players in this City side to really step up in the game against Man United on Thursday night.
The Citizens and their City rivals are in a hot competition for the remaining Champions League place and it’s a race that’s set to go down to the wire as the end of the season approaches.
And with such a big game on the horizon, team selection from Pep Guardiola will be vital.
Having spoken to some of our City-regulars, here’s the side we think Guardiola needs to field against United this Thursday…
GK: Claudio Bravo
Claudio Bravo has had his fair share of criticism from City fans this season but he’s got a fantastic chance to prove himself on the biggest stage of all this week.
The game against United will be in the world spotlight and all eyes will be on him as he looks to impress the Citizens fans here in the pub.
RB: Jesus Navas
With Jesus Navas impressing in at right-back this season, there’s been little room for Pablo Zabaleta and Bacary Sagna in the City first-team over the past couple of months.
It’s transformed City into an attacking force from the back and he looks comfortable slotting in at right back for his side.
CB: Vincent Kompany
City captain Vincent Kompany is back in the City first-team and performing well and if we’re being truthfully honest, it’s good to see him back amongst it in the first-team.
He’s a real leader and there’s every chance he could remain in the first-team from now until the end of the season.
CB Nicolas Otamendi
Argentinian international Nicolas Otamendi has had a good end to the season and has looked the part alongside Vincent Kompany over the past couple of weeks.
He’s a burly unit who is seriously solid at the back and United will have to be at their best offensively to get past him.
LB: Gael Clichy
Gael Clichy is an automatic pick in at left-back these days but he’s going to have to seriously impress from now until the end of the season if he’s to remain in the first-team next season.
It’s a position Guardiola needs to improve over the summer months so a good performance against United would really hit the spot for the Frenchman.
CDM: Fernandinho
Fernandinho isn’t the most inspiring of players in this City squad but he’s there to do a job and protects the defence seriously well.
City fans here in the pub appreciate all of the graft that he puts in week-after-week and he’ll be a good player for the game against United too.
CDM: Yaya Toure
Despite losing the game against Arsenal, Yaya Toure had an extremely good afternoon indeed and bossed the midfield throughout.
He’s going to be an important player for the Citizens in the coming weeks and he will have a big part to play as City chase the Champions League places.
RAM: Raheem Sterling
Was unlucky to be subbed on and then subbed off in the game against Arsenal but his directness gave City a real outlet throughout the afternoon.
The Englishman has a big part to play in City’s chase for the top-four over the coming weeks and he has enough quality to worry the United defence this weekend.
CAM: Kevin De Bruyne
Belgian attacker Kevin De Bruyne has been a little off-the-boil over the past couple of weeks and he’ll want to have a big part to play in any potential win over United this weekend.
He’s going to be the key to unlocking the United defence and will be hoping for a big game against the Red Devils on Thursday evening.
LAM: Leroy Sane
Was quiet against Arsenal but there’s little doubting Leroy Sane will want to bounce back with a bang against United this week.
The German brings great directness to the City ranks and when he’s on-form, he’s seriously good indeed. United should be wary about his presence on the wing.
ST: Sergio Aguero
Always a threat leading the line for the Citizens and there’s every chance Sergio Aguero could be the match-winner against United.
The Argentine forward brings fantastic movement to the City ranks and a real goal-scoring threat to their forward line too. Could he be the difference in the fight for the Champions League places?
