Manchester City regained their position at the top of the Premier League table with a marginal win against Tottenham Hotspur. Riyad Mahrez scored the only goal of the match for his side in the sixth minute, and the scoreline remained that way till the final whistle. Next up, Pep Guardiola’s men would have a new challenge to face as they go up against Premier League newcomers Fulham, but this time in the League Cup.
Guardiola is known for his tactical brilliance, and it is expected that he would overcome the challenge of the London club in their next match. However, it would not be an easy task as the Lilywhites have enough element at their disposal to surprise the Premier League leaders.
Team News
Pep Guardiola will not have the services of Claudio Bravo, and Ilkay Gundogan at his disposal as both of them are long-term absentees with injury scares. Other than them, it is a fully fit squad for the Spaniard to choose from ahead of the League Cup tie.
Goalkeeper
Ederson should be rested for the match. So in the absence of Bravo, it is going to be Arijanet Muric who will stand in the goal for the reigning League Cup champions.
Defence
The duo of Vincent Kompany and Nicolas Otamendi should be the centre-back pairing for this match, with both Aymeric Laporte and John Stones having a breather. Fabian Delph will start in the left-back role, where he performed so well last season in the absence of Bernard Mendy. Kyle Walker will keep his place as the right back as Danilo might not be available for selection due to injury.
Midfield
Oleksandr Zinchenko might replace Fernandinho in the middle of the field, and Phil Foden and Kevin De Bruyne should accompany him as part of the midfield three. Neither of the three midfielders started in the match against Tottenham.
Attack
Gabriel Jesus will be leading the line for the Cityzens. Bernardo Silva would start on the right-hand side of the field while Leroy Sane will put in his shift from the left.
Predicted Formation: 4-3-3
