Manchester City players Fernandinho (left) and Otamendi (right) celebrate against Manchester United at Old Trafford. (Getty Images)
Manchester City’s derby win at Old Trafford has stretched the gap between second-placed Manchester United to 11 points and the Citizens’ 14-game winning streak in the league is expected to continue this midweek too when they travel to the Liberty Stadium to hunt the Swans down who are already struggling to maintain their top-flight status, being placed 19th in the Premier League tally right now.
City do not have a long list of injury concerns but will miss out on three of their prime defensive options. Vincent Kompany is injured again and was taken off at half-time during the Manchester derby. John Stones is ruled out too with a hamstring strain whereas left-back Benjamin Mendy is set to be sidelined for the majority of the campaign with an unfortunate ACL injury.
Pep has fielded different set-ups in the past but will stick to a ‘back-4’ due to a lack of defensive options. A 4-3-3 formation is tipped to be lined up on Wednesday night.
The Brazilian’s scintillating double save in the closing minutes earned the Sky blues another memorable triumph at Old Trafford. Ederson has been sensational this season and is set to retain his place between the sticks ahead of veteran Claudio Bravo.
Although Kyle Walker is City’s first-choice right-back right now and has shown consistency since his move from Spurs, the Englishman might be rested against Swansea City and be replaced by Danilo who is thriving to get more opportunities since joining the Cityzens this summer from Real Madrid.
The Argentine has stepped up in Kompany’s absence and scored against both West Ham and Man United to script crucial wins. He will lead the City defence once again against the Swans.
The forgotten Frenchman was transfer listed in summer but City’s failure to offload him has handed him one last opportunity to save his career here at Etihad. Pep has been frustrated with his defensive injury woes that has paved way for Mangala to make a first-team return. He has done a decent job so far and is expected to deliver another steady outing on Wednesday night.
Although he was error-prone against Manchester United; his mistake cost them Marcus Rashford’s equaliser, Delph has earned Guardiola’s trust in a makeshift left-back role and the Englishman is expected to retain his place at the Liberty Stadium.
The Brazilian did exceptionally well against their city rivals and never allowed the Red Devils to control the game in the middle of the park. He broke down plenty of counter-attacking threats and has proved himself to be a key asset of Guardiola’s system.
Gundogan’s career has been interrupted by injuries but the German international is back again and is being utilised from the bench on most occasions. He, however, might be handed a start against Paul Clement’s men as Pep will be looking to rotate his squad to keep most of them fit and fresh.
The Spaniard is one of Premier League’s finest of footballers currently and his mastery has allowed Man City to script an unbelievable run in both domestic competitions and in Europe. Silva will start behind the front trio in order to orchestrate moves in the attacking third.
The versatile Belgian is key to City’s attack due to his movement, vision, passing and finishing traits. He might start the Swansea game too as City will be keen on continuing their winning streak.
The German youngster has been in stupendous form this season and his dribbling, runs, cut-ins and crossing traits have troubled opponents’ backline so far this season. He is expected to be back among the goals against their Wednesday night opponents.
City now have the luxury of winning a Manchester derby without talismanic Argentine hitman Sergio Aguero. Gabriel Jesus seems to have taken his place but Aguero has been among the goals whenever he’s started a game and is expected to feature and score against Swansea for him to keep pace with Premier League’s top-scorers so far this season.
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