Manchester City wobbled again this weekend after fighting to a 1-1 draw at home to Southampton in the Premier League, and their supporters here in the Tavern are becoming a little worried.
The not-so-small matter of an EFL cup tie against Manchester United awaits the Citizens on Wednesday evening, but going into the game – their not in good form at all.
Pep Guardiola’s side haven’t won in five attempts, with their last victory coming over a month ago, a 3-1 away win over Swansea in the Premier League.
Whether these are just wobbles or serious scares is yet to be known, but going into the United game, Guardiola will want to see some real fight from his players.
But how should he line up for the game? Should he change it up and offer some fringe players the chance to shine or should he go all out to win?
Here’s how we think Guardiola should set up in the game against United on Wednesday…
GK: Willy Caballero
With Claudio Bravo being sent off in the game against Barcelona, Willy Caballero is the most obvious player to come into the starting XI for the derby against United.
You do wonder whether Joe Hart would have started this one if he was still around but regardless, the Argentine will be between the sticks for City on Wednesday.
RB: Bacary Sagna
Sagna has seen his first-team action limited this season but with Zabaleta suffering an injury in the game against Barca, the Frenchman is the obvious player to bring back into the first-team fold for this one.
CB: Nicolás Otamendi
Nicolas Otamendi is more than likely the man to get the nod at centre-back for the crunch game against United this week.
He’s had to take a back-seat after Kompany’s return to first-team action but he’ll be ready and raring to go against the Reds.
CB: John Stones
John Stones is a real Guardiola favourite and it’s unlikely that he will be dropped.
These are the matches the young Englishman will learn most from going forward, so why not keep him in the first-team as he continues his rise to the top?
LB: Gael Clichy
We’re expecting Gael Clichy to come into the starting XI for the game against United.
What a fantastic player to have in your ranks as well – the Frenchman offers pace, experience and defensive stability in a back-four that is looking pretty strong indeed.
CDM: Fernandinho
Fernandinho is still very much a first-team player in this City squad and despite this being a cup game, the Citizens will still have to be on their toes.
Mourinho will want the bragging rights and is expected to play a strong side, so putting Fernandinho in front of the defence really makes sense.
CDM: Fernando
Fellow Brazilian Fernando hasn’t had the first-team minutes he would have liked so far this season but like many in this starting XI, big cup ties like this really give him the chance to prove himself.
United have an array of attacking talent in their ranks and Fernando will need to be at his best for City to keep a clean sheet.
RM: Jesus Navas
Jesus Navas will come back into the side for the game against Man Utd and he’ll be looking to really attack the opposition full-backs.
He’ll more-than-likely be running at someone like Luke Shaw or Marcus Rojo – a battle he will relish as he looks to impress his manager.
CAM: Kevin De Bruyne
Whilst this is a game that won’t be at the forefront of Guardiola’s mind in comparison to his Premier League title pursuit, we’re not expecting him to drop all of his stars.
Kevin De Bruyne has been in great form at times this campaign and you know he has the quality to turn it on when necessary for City.
LM: Nolito
Nolito had a good game against Barcelona despite the result and we’re expecting him to come back into the first team for this cup tie.
He only made the bench in the 1-1 draw with Southampton and he’ll be looking to show Guardiola his first-team promise once again against United.
ST: Kelechi Iheanacho
It’s hard to ignore the form of Kelechi Iheanacho, who bagged a vital equaliser against Southampton this weekend.
The Nigerian youngster offers City so much pace and endeavour upfront and with Sergio Aguero now fielding a blank in three consecutive Premier League games – he could be the answer in the game against United.
