Manchester City are currently at the top of their form in the Premier League having won all but one of their seven matches so far this term. Their only disappointment came against Everton in their second match of the campaign, which saw them scrape out a hard-fought draw from the encounter.
The Citizens have already scored 22 goals this term, which has helped them to keep their place at the top of the pile, ahead of their derby rivals Manchester United, who are trailing the Citizens by goal difference. All of their players are in good form and will look to test the mettle of their opponents when they take on Stoke City in their first encounter after the international break in the Premier League.
Manchester City will, however, have to deal with the absence of their attacking spearhead Sergio Aguero, who was involved in a horrific accident during his recent trip to Amsterdam. Though the player is recovering fast from his rib injury, he will not be taking to the field in his side’s next match against the Potters. Left-back Benjamin Mendy is out with a major injury leaving Pep a bit short at the back.
Here is how he might lineup his side for this tie:
Defence-
Manchester City’s backline has performed superbly since the start of the season and has only conceded two goals so far. New mega money signings like Kyle Walker, Danilo and Benjamin Mendy have collaborated well with the likes of Nicolas Otamendi and John Stones and have laid a solid platform for their side to win matches.
Against the Potters, Walker, Stones and Otamendi are set to start the proceedings for the Citizens. Mendy, however, is recovering from an injury and will be replaced by Fabian Delph. Ederson will feature in the goal.
Midfield-
With the likes of David Silva, Kevin De Bruyne and Fernandinho in the heart of the midfield, the Citizens are looking all set to take the fight to the opposition and it is going to be a big problem for the Potters to contain them. De Bruyne scored the all-important goal in the last match against reigning champions Chelsea and will be expected to do the same against Stoke City as well.
Attack-
The young trio of Gabriel Jesus, Raheem Sterling and Leroy Sane will be spearheading the attack for the Manchester club in the absence of Aguero. All of them are in brilliant form and are expected to run riot at the Bet365 Stadium this weekend.
Predicted Lineup-
Ederson, Walker, Stones, Otamendi, Delph, De Bruyne, Silva, Fernandinho, Jesus, Sterling, Sane.
