Aakarsh Bommakanti
Predicted Manchester City Line-up To Face Southampton In The Premier League
Manchester City may not have retained their flair from the start of the season but they are definitely getting the work done, picking up 37 points from 13 games, making the best ever start to a Premier League season. They were frustrated at the Kirklees Stadium at the weekend but emerged as victorious and Pep Guardiola will hope that his side can make easier work of their immediate opponents, Southampton.
The Saints enjoyed a fruitful time against Everton at the weekend, scoring four, but they will have to be at their best to take anything from this game.
Team News
Pep Guardiola has no new injury issues to worry about but the likes of Benjamin Mendy and John stones remain unavailable.
Here’s how Man City might line up against the Saints:
Formation: 4-3-3
Manager: Pep Guardiola
GK – Ederson
The Brazilian remains Guardiola’s preferred choice in goal and should keep his place under the bar.
RB – Kyle Walker
Walker has been decent this season at the Etihad but he needs to step up his game to match the quality at the other end of the field.
CB – Eliaquim Mangala
With Kompany being injury prone, he should be given a rest for this mid-week fixture, which should see Mangala come back to the starting XI.
CB – Nicolas Otamendi
City’s best defender this season, Otamendi has been exceptional at the back and will keep his place in the side alongside Mangala.
LB – Fabian Delph
With Mendy still out injured, Delph, who has been productive at left-back should yet again start for Man City.
CDM – Fernandinho
The Brazilian has played the pivot in City’s mesmerising season and with little options for this role, he should start against the Saints.
CM – David Silva
The Spaniard has been effective in a deeper role this season and will marshal the midfield.
CM – Kevin de Bruyne
Easily the best play-maker this season in England, De Bruyne is expected to be the danger man for Man City in the middle of the park.
RW – Raheem Sterling
Having scored two winners in the last two games, Sterling is in top form and there is no reason for Guardiola to drop him from the starting XI.
LW – Gabriel Jesus
Though Sane has been exceptional, he deserves a break and should be replaced by Gabriel Jesus, who was dropped from the first-team at the weekend.
ST – Sergio Aguero
Having opened the scoring in the previous game, Aguero will be up against the likes of Van Dijk and Hoedt, in what could be a difficult game for the Citizens.
