Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City side were the only club in the top-6 of the points table to take maximum points in the previous round as they put in an emphatic performance in a comfortable victory over the Hammers. They are not too far away from a place in the top-4 and have a great chance to break into it this weekend when they welcome Paul Clement’s Swansea side to the Etihad.
The Swans have moved out of the drop zone, picking up 6 points from their last two fixtures against Liverpool and Southampton and are surely going to be a tough nut to crack for the Citizens. However, Guardiola’s side have found some decent form recently and will hope to take all three points from this game.
Here is the predicted lineup that Guardiola might field on the night:
Team News:
The manager is still without the services of Ilkay Gundogan for this game while Fernandinho and Vincent Kompany are both expected to be back in the squad for this tie.
Expected lineup (4-3-3):
Willy Caballero:
Having put in a commanding performance at the Olympic Stadium, Guardiola should stick with him for this tie.
Pablo Zabaleta:
The Argentine defender has been decent on the flank for City this season and should start this game at right-back for Manchester City.
Vincent Kompany:
The skipper of the side, Kompany is just back from injury and Guardiola will hope that he can get back into the groove with a decent performance this weekend.
Nicolas Otamendi:
With some consistent performances at the back, Otamendi has cemented a place in the side at the Etihad and should partner Kompany at the back.
Aleksandar Kolarov:
One of the most effective full-backs in the league, Kolarov is a regular starter for Manchester City under Pep Guardiola this weekend.
Yaya Toure:
Enjoying a decent run in the side, Toure has been an impact player for City and should start this game against the Swans.
Fernandinho:
Coming back from yet another suspension, Fernandinho got just 20 minutes under his belt in the previous game but he should be back into the starting XI for the weekend.
David Silva:
The Spaniard is the lynchpin in attack for Manchester City and he is one of the first names on the squad for Guardiola this season.
Raheem Sterling:
The young English winger was unplayable against West Ham and will be a huge threat for the visitors at the Etihad.
Kevin de Bruyne:
The Belgian opened the scoring for his side in the victory over the Hammers and Guardiola will hope that he can put in a similar performance against Clement’s side.
Gabriel Jesus:
Having put a match-winning performance in the previous round, the youngster should keep Aguero on the bench and lead the attack for Manchester City.