Manchester City’s victory at Old Trafford saw them break a record for consecutive victories in the English top flight and they do not look like slowing down anytime soon. The Citizens have already opened up a 11 point gap over Manchester United in the second place, and have a great chance of maintaining it, or even build on it, when they welcome a struggling Swansea City side, to the Etihad this weekend.
The Swans have picked up just four points from their last nine games and stand just a point off the bottom of the points table. City are firm favourites to take all three points from this game and here is the predicted lineup Guardiola might field for this tie:
Team News:
Benjamin Mendy and John Stone remain long-term absentees for Guardiola and are joined by Vincent Kompany was ruled out of this tie by Guardiola, who termed his absence a short one.
Expected lineup (4-5-1):
Defense:
Ederson put on one of his best performances for the club in the derby at the weekend and is expected to continue under the bar for this game. Kyle Walker has been a regular in the first team for City and could find some rest in this game. He should be replaced by Danilo at right-back. Fabian Delph, who is doing a superb job in the backline, should retain his place at left-back.
Nicolas Otamendi is easily Manchester City’s best defender this season and is one of the first names on the team sheet for Guardiola. He should be partnered by Eliaquim Mangala, with no other CB options available in the first team.
Midfield:
Fernandinho has been the first choice CDM for the league leaders this season and he will hope to have a comfortable night, against a Swansea side that has been poor this season. Kevin de Bruyne was one of the best players for City at the weekend and should keep his place as a part of the midfield.
David Silva is the creator in chief in the midfield for City and is one of the most underappreciated players in the league. He should partner De Bruyne and Fernandinho in the midfield, like against United.
Leroy Sane has only grown in confidence this season and has been effective in almost every game. He could move onto the right flank, replacing Raheem Sterling, who could be rested for this game. Gabriel Jesus is expected to start on the left wing.
Attack:
Sergio Aguero was an unused substitute at Old Trafford but is expected to be back in the starting XI against the Swans.
Here is how they might line up:
