Manchester City have been in great form this season and few would dare to bet against them retaining the Premier League crown. The Sky Blues have won four out their first five games in the Premier League and are one of the three teams that are unbeaten in the ongoing season so far. Pep Guardiola’s side have been in great goalscoring form, having scored 14 goals in five games.
However, City couldn’t quite replicate their domestic form on the European front as the Sky Blues slumped to a 2-1 shock defeat against Lyon at home. City were far from their best and couldn’t make a significant impact on the game, despite dominating the possession. They looked vulnerable as Lyon hit them on the counter and Guardiola’s men failed to rescue a point from the match even after getting a lifeline in the second half.
Granted, they did not fare well against Lyon but City must give the opposition a drubbing when they travel to Cardiff this weekend.
Apart from the long-term injuries to goalkeeper Claudio Bravo and midfielder Kevin de Bruyne, Pep Guardiola does not have too many worries. In fact, he will have his full squad of players to choose from.
The Brazilian has been Manchester City’s No.1 between the sticks for quite some time now and he was hardly at fault for the goals against Lyon. With Claudio Bravo out injured, Guardiola should start him.
Kyle Walker (RB)
The English international had a couple of good games against Newcastle United and Fulham but struggled to keep out the attacks against Lyon. However, he hasn’t done much wrong this season and Guardiola should hand him a start.
John Stones (CB)
Just like the most of his teammates, the Englishman was average against Lyon. However, he is one of England’s finest centre-backs and Guardiola should continue to hand him regular minutes.
Nicolas Otamendi (CB)
The experienced Argentine put up a strong show against Fulham as he dominated the opposition with his strength. He should replace Aymeric Laporte, who was guilty of giving the ball away too easily in the Champions League.
Benjamin Mendy (LB)
The Frenchman has been one of City’s standout performers of the season but he missed the Champions League clash against Lyon due to an injury. But he should return in place of Fabian Delph, who was sloppy against Lyon.
The Portuguese midfielder has been in good form in the Premier League and scored a goal in the Champions League tie. He should retain his place in the line-up.
Fernandinho (CDM)
The veteran Brazilian didn’t look at the top of his game against Lyon but has done well in the Premier League so far. Should retain his place in the team.
David Silva (LM)
The diminutive Spaniard was average against Lyon but he has done quite well in the Premier League so far. Must receive a start once again.
The German has returned to the first-team reckoning after some strong performances against Fulham and Lyon. Guardiola should hand him another start ahead of Ilkay Gundogan, who struggled to control the game in the Champions League.
Raheem Sterling (LW)
One of the brightest sparks in City’s 2-1 defeat against Lyon, the English winger tried his best to make things happen with some lung-bursting runs. He has done his reputation no harm and should start this weekend.
Sergio Aguero (ST)
The Argentine talisman started from the bench against Lyon due to an injury but he should feature in the starting line-up ahead of Gabriel Jesus, as the Brazilian was pretty non-existent in the Champions League game.