Predicted Manchester City Lineup To Face Southampton
Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City are 4th in the points table but the manager will know that if his side are consistent until the end of the season, they have a decent chance to qualify for the Champions League next season. City beat the Tigers comfortably in the previous round but they cannot afford to drop any more points, with Manchester United breathing down their neck at 5th place. They face a tricky game against the Saints as they travel to the St Mary’s this weekend. Southampton beat West Brom in the previous round but have not been consistent and Guardiola will believe that his side can take all three points from this tie.
Team News:
Ilkay Gundogan and Gabriel Jesus remain long-term absentees but Manchester City do not have too many players missing for this tie. Full-back Bacary Sagna is ruled out for a couple of weeks and is the only other absentee for this tie.
Expected Lineup:
Manager: Pep Guardiola
Formation: 4-3-3
GK – Willy Caballero
Guardiola is still not trusting Claudio Bravo in the league and Caballero should keep his place in the first team for City.
RB – Pablo Zabaleta
With Sagna out injured, Zabaleta is expected to be brought back into the lineup and should start at left-back for Manchester City.
CB – John Stones
The English defender has found some form recently and Guardiola will need him to be at his best to take all three points from this tie.
CB – Nicolas Otamendi
The Argentine star has been the best defender for City this season and he is expected to start alongside Stones against Southampton.
LB – Aleksandar Kolarov
Though Clichy has been used extensively recently, Guardiola should bring in some experience in the form of Kolarov for this crunch tie.
CDM – Fernandinho
The Brazilian has been the first-choice midfielder for Pep and he will have a huge role to play if City are to take all three points from St Mary’s.
CM – David Silva
The Spaniard is right up there with the best in the league and the Saints will have a tough time in keeping him quiet.
CM – Kevin de Bruyne
Has been in sensational form of late and Pep Guardiola should trust him with the midfield duties alongside Silva for this game.
RW – Raheem Sterling
The former Liverpool star has cemented a place on the wing for City and will be a danger man to Southampton for sure.
LW – Leroy Sane
The youngster has been in some good goalscoring form and the manager will hope that he continues his good form on this trip to the St Marys.
ST – Sergio Aguero
The Argentine will be up against one of the most consistent defence in the league and will hope to leave his mark on this clash.