Manchester City will gear up to face Swansea City in a repeat of their midweek EFL Cup match where an under-strength City managed to raise their game in the second half to defeat Swansea City 2-1. With the game against Swansea resulting in City notching up their 9th win on the trot, things are indeed looking extremely sunny for the Blue side from Manchester. They will be gunning for their 10th win since the beginning of the season and with the big stars expected to be back in the fold, it seems to be a likely possibility.
Swansea made a couple of changes to their starting eleven in midweek and started off well, not allowing the young City team to find their rhythm but failed to keep up the intensity. Whereas City made 9 changes from the team which had turned up for the match against Bournemouth. Pep Guardiola will, in all likelihood, be able to call upon the services of the likes of Sterling, Aguero, Silva, Gundogan and De Bruyne. And the very mention of these names will make Swansea aware of the mountain they have to climb tomorrow in order to notch up any points on the board.
T4O’s PREDICTED MANCHESTER CITY LINE-UP (4-1-4-1)
DEFENCE
Claudio Bravo will make a return to the starting line-up after sitting out the EFL Cup match as he looks to settle into the City squad and get in sync with his new teammates. Bacary Sagna will make a comeback to the right-hand side of the defence with John Stones and Otamendi expected to form the central defensive partnership. The duo have looked increasingly confident which means Kolarov will shift to left-back in place of Gael Clichy.
MIDFIELD
Fernandinho will likely make a comeback in place of Fernando who did a commendable job in his rare absence. While Pep Guardiola is set to hand De Bruyne a start in the No.8 role with either David Silva or Ilkay Gundogan lining up alongside the Belgian. David Silva is returning from a slight injury which might increase the chances of Gundogan starting.
ATTACK
Nolito is suspended for 3 matches after literally letting his head do the talking against Bournemouth. Raheem Sterling will probably play on the left-hand side in his absence with either one of Jesus Navas or Leroy Sane lining up on the right wing. After making his first start City, Sane might be brought on from the bench with Navas adding a bit more balance to the side. Sergio Aguero will make a comeback and take up the lone striker’s role.
