The machine of Manchester City kept rolling as Pep Guardiola’s men won the Carabao Cup final against Arsenal last week to further their quest for multiple trophies this season. In the league, they have a massive 16 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 have just lost once in the league and 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 last season’s Premier League winners Chelsea but Guardiola will expect his side to brush aside Conte’s men once again.
With the race now nearing completion, Guardiola will not want his team to lose focus and instead double up their efforts to prevent any late mishap.
Here is how the Spanish tactician will look to line-up his unstoppable team.
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. He will be expecting another challenging match in goal. The heart of the defence will be managed by Nicolas Otamendi and Aymeric Laporte with John Stones out on the bench once again and Vincent Kompany getting some well-deserved rest.
The right wing back can be expected to be Danilo with Fabian Delph expected to play on the left with young Oleksandr Zinchenko expected on the bench. Kyle Walker picked up a knock at the end of the last match and can be expected to sit out this tie.
Midfield
A midfield trio with Ilkay Gundogan at the base and David Silva as one of the attacking centre midfielders and Kevin De Bruyne as the other man in the midfield can be expected. Fernandinho is expected to be out with the injury he picked up during the Carabao Cup final against Arsenal last week.
Attack
Raheem Sterling and Bernardo Silva can be expected to flank with Gabriel Jesus out of action with Sergio Aguero given some rest and Leroy Sane ready to come off the bench.
