The onus will be on Manchester City when they face a fluent Napoli at the Stadio San Paolo in the group stage clash in the UCL this week. This could be a big game for both the teams as it could virtually decide City’s fate. The English outfit could clinch a place in the last 16 if they manage to avoid a defeat in Italy.
City edged out the Serie-A leaders very narrowly in the return fixture but Pep Guardiola’s side cannot be complacent given their opponent’s ruthless performance in the Italian top tier this season. Maurizio Sarri has transformed them into a world class side and the Sky Blues need to be at the top of their form to upset them.
City maintained their juggernaut in the Premier League too as they defeated West Brom 3-2 in the last match which could well set the tone for this match. Both teams have set a new benchmark this season and would want to eclipse it in a bid to stamp their authority this season.
Predicted 4-1-4-1 Manchester City Lineup Against Napoli
Defence
Ederson has emerged as the preferred choice in the goal and should keep his place. Claudio Bravo was excellent against Wolves in the Carabao Cup but against a free-flowing team like Napoli, Pep won’t take the risk.
Pep has been using Fabian Delph on the left side of the defence but Danilo will get the nod for this game as the Sky Blues are scheduled to face Arsenal in this weekend. Nicolas Otamendi has done a decent job so far in the deep defence and should start alongside John Stones who has only improved this season.
Kyle Walker will continue to be on the right side of the defence.
Midfield
Fernandinho has been pretty inventive with his strategy in the midfield and he should start at the base to guard his backline. Kevin De Bruyne has probably been the best playmaker in this season and will have to take extra responsibility if the English side are to grind out something from this tie.
David Silva’s experience will come handy in this kind of matches and the Spanish midfielder will partner De Bruyne in a very advanced position.
Attack
Bernardo Silva might get a start on the left flank. Raheem Sterling also is pushing for a start on the right side. Sergio Aguero got a deserved rest in the last match and would be determined to make his presence felt in this game. Here is how they might line up:
