Pep Guardiola’s men kick off their campaign after the international break with a cracker against Liverpool. The Reds have been in red-hot form of late and in many ways, will be the first real competition for City’s star-studded side.
Barring the opening game against a newly promoted side in Brighton & Hove Albion, Guardiola has found his squad really struggling to get results. While a late strike by Raheem Sterling saw the Sky Blues get a draw against Everton, the English forward delayed it furthermore to get the winner against AFC Bournemouth in the last game.
However, one cannot overlook the side’s inability to score despite having some of Europe’s best players up front and sooner or later Guardiola will have to answer for it. Here is how Guardiola might line his troops for this battle
Predicted 4-3-3 Manchester City vs Liverpool
Defence
Ederson will start under the bar. The Brazilian has been composed so far, conceding just twice in the first three games and his brilliant ball distribution has also caused opponents trouble, although Gabriel Jesus and Sergio Aguero are yet to find an end product to it.
It was surprising to see City working so hard against the Cherries who predominantly played a defensive side with players who aren’t half as good as City’s squad on paper. Three players, Benjamin Mendy, Vincent Kompany and Nicolas Otamendi, were booked last game. However, Guardiola will have to be patient with the side and give them time to settle in.
We expect the back four to see some changes against Liverpool. The flanks are expected to be taken by Benjamin Mendy and Kyle Walker as they would be more suitable for their pace with Nicolas Otamendi and John Stones taking the central defence. Skipper Vincent Kompany remains a doubt for the game with a knock.
Midfield
The three-man midfield is as expected and is the best combination Guardiola has at the moment. With the mercurial Ilkay Gundogan still out with his knee injury, Fernandinho remains the best fit for City in the anchor position. The playmakers will be Kevin De Bruyne and David Silva.
Attack
With their saviour of the last two games, Sterling, suspended with a red card for the next game, we expect German youngster Leroy Sane to take his place on the left wing. The 21-year-old had shown his brilliant dribbling abilities last season and the boss has full trust in him. Against an open attacking side like Liverpool, Bernardo Silva will fancy his chances to get his first Premier League goal.
The attack should be led by Sergio Aguero.
