Manchester City were delivered a sucker punch by a clinical Blues side who effected a smash and grab 3-1 win over the Sky Blues at the Etihad Stadium. In a match which was marred by the ugly scenes in the last 5 minutes, it was City who thoroughly dominated but eventually fell to goals from Willian, Costa and Hazard in the 2nd half. And the frustration at having missed gilt-edged chances and then conceded 3 finally got to the City players as a total loss of discipline resulted in a melee and the subsequent sending off of Sergio Aguero and Fernandinho.
Pep would not have been pleased with the profligate nature of his strikers and the complete breakdown of discipline which will surely affect their plans in a difficult December.
But now they will have to focus on the midweek Champions League match against Celtic which in theory will not hold much significance for City. They have guaranteed qualification and going by earlier results, cannot finish higher than second. Pep will probably look at this fixture to try out the players with slightly lesser minutes than the rest and try them out in different roles and formations.
PREDICTED MANCHESTER CITY XI VS CELTIC (4-1-4-1)
DEFENCE
Willy Caballero might start in goal with Claudio Bravo likely to be rested after a stint in the spotlight. Caballero has been good on the occasions he has played and will to take his opportunity. Pablo Zabaleta might start at right-back with Bacary Sagna providing another option.
John Stones was taken off in a tactical switch which might see him start in defence. Tosin Adaribioyo might get an unlikely start with Otamendi given an off after a horror show. Kolarov is likely to start at left-back before being tried out in a number of positions as the game goes on.
MIDFIELD
Fernando is likely to be the deep-lying midfielder with Fernandinho banned in the UCL as well. Delph might see some action after almost 3 months out. While Garcia can be the other midfielder.
ATTACK
Nolito might feature on the left wing and Leroy Sane is most likely to start on the opposite side. Up top, Sergio Aguero might get a start having got himself banned for a minimum of 4 games in the League.
