Manchester City face Swansea City in the 3rd round of the EFL Cup where they will be looking to notch up their 9th win on the bounce this season. Pep Guardiola has transformed the lethargic and dusty City players from last season and along with a sprinkling of new talent, has transformed them into a fearful and dangerous outfit. The Etihad outfit’s reliance on their star players is not as pronounced as last season and each player in the team has put up their hand and made a difference whenever given the opportunity. Their crisp passing, with every player contributing to the defence and attack has made the team more solid and at the same time a haven for strikers and attacking players. The likes of John Stones and Ilkay Gundogan have fit into the team seamlessly and will only get better here on in.
Manchester City will surely gun for victory and with the new philosophy and energy imparted the team does not seem to carry any deadwood in the squad. (Yaya’s case is a bit different) The main protagonists are likely to be given a break but that will no way reduce the quality and the threat posed by the squad. With City scheduled to play a Premier League game against the same opponent next weekend tomorrow’s game will be like a dress rehearsal.
HERE IS T4O’s PREDICTED MANCHESTER CITY LINE-UP VS SWANSEA CITY (4-1-4-1)
DEFENCE
Willy Caballero is expected to be handed a recall with the manager’s faith in the keeper illustrated by his decision to let go of Joe Hart. Pablo Zabaleta might be at right-back with Maffeo providing another option. Vincent Kompany might be handed a recall with Otamendi or Kolarov providing an option along with John Stones. But Adaribioyo might get a start for the first team. Angelino will look to get minutes under his belt but might have to settle for a bench role.
MIDFIELD
Fernando is expected to be fit and can give Fernandinho a breather for the first time this season. While Pep might unexpectedly hand Yaya Toure a place in the No.8 position along with Delph considering he is passed fit.
ATTACK
Young Angelino might be handed a start on the left flank but Pep has options in Sterling and Navas. Leroy Sane is in line to make his full debut after 3 consecutive sub appearances. Kelechi Iheanacho will be starting up top with Sergio Aguero poised for a return next week.
