The machine of Manchester City keeps rolling as Pep Guardiola’s men enter their semi-final clash against Bristol City to further their quest of a quadruple this season. In the league, they have a massive fourteen point lead at the top of the table and are looking increasingly set on bringing home the league trophy come May. After a heavy spending summer, that saw the Arab owners lavishly dish around their cash, City was boasting of a squad full of world-class talent.
Pep not only had eleven quality players but also a bench that would be in the starting line-up for most teams around Europe. With such heavy artillery at his disposal, it is no surprise to find City where they are now. The Citizens are undefeated in the league and have just lost one inconsequential Champions League match after locking down on their qualification to the next stage of Europe. Their incredible form has set a record in England for the highest consecutive league wins and City are looking increasingly dominant with each passing day.
They are coming up against a well performing Bristol City side although given City’s current dominance and confidence they will have no problem brushing aside the Championship side. Bristol City will be hoping to avoid a thrashing and at best come away with a respectable scoreline. City will enter the match hoping to establish a healthy lead before the second leg.
With the busy winter fixture proving to be a tricky business, Guardiola will hope to not lose any more players this week. Having dispatched of Burnley in fine style a few days back, Guardiola will be hoping of a repeat performance against Bristol.
Here is how the Spanish tactician will look to line-up his unstoppable team this weekend.
Formation: 4-3-3
Defence:
Ederson who has been in fine form this season can be expected in goal one more time for the Citizens. The heart of the defense will be managed by Nicolas Otamendi and Eliaquim Mangala with John Stones out on the bench.
The right wing back can be expected to be Kyle Walker with Fabian Delph expected to play on the left.
Midfield:
A midfield trio of Fernandinho at the base with Bernardo Silva playing as a makeshift attacking center midfielder alongside Ilkay Gundogan playing ahead can be expected David Silva uncertain to start and Kevin De Bruyne probably on the bench to help the player get some rest
Attack:
Raheem Sterling and Leroy Sane can be expected to flank Sergio Aguero for City with Gabriel Jesus out of action after getting injured last time out.
