Manchester City will take on their arch-enemies, Manchester United at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday evening hoping to close the gap to Liverpool at the top of the league table. The Citizens are currently trailing the league leaders by 11 points so they cannot afford to drop too many points at home this season.
Pep Guardiola will likely opt for a 4-3-3 formation and might make a few changes to his starting XI for the Manchester derby.
4-3-3 Manchester City Predicted Lineup To Face Manchester United
Defence
Ederson will keep his place in between the sticks despite failing to secure a clean sheet versus the Clarets in midweek. Guardiola might choose to go with John Stones ahead of Nicolas Otamendi for the derby. The English defender will play alongside Fernandinho at the heart of the Man City backline.
Benjamin Mendy is expected to make his first-team return as the left-back after he was rested at Turf Moor. Joao Cancelo will feature on the other side in the right-back position as he tries to put in a productive shift down the right flank.
The Citizens have conceded 17 goals in 15 league matches which is not an ideal defensive record for a team with title-winning aspirations. Hence, Guardiola will demand his defenders to put in a dominant performance and earn a shut-out at the back versus the Red Devils.
Midfield
David Silva had a good game against Burnley in midweek, but he might be rested for this weekend’s clash at the Etihad Stadium. Therefore, Ilkay Gundogan is likely to come into the side and play along with Rodri and Kevin De Bruyne at the centre of the park.
The talented trio would focus on establishing their authority in midfield so that they can orchestrate some clear-cut goal-scoring opportunities for the front players.
Attack
Raheem Sterling and Riyad Mahrez will be deployed on the flanks as they look to stretch the Man United defence and open up space for their midfielders to exploit. Gabriel Jesus will lead the charge for the champions of England up top. The Brazilian striker managed to score a brace versus Sean Dyche’s men so he will be full of confidence heading into this local derby on Saturday.
Bernardo Silva might have to settle for a spot on the bench despite putting in a fruitful display during his last league start.
