Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Simon Bajkowski & Joe Bray & Marcus Banks

How Man City should line up vs Sheffield United in Premier League

Manchester City are looking to get back to winning ways in the Premier League this afternoon at winless Sheffield United.

City were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw at West Ham last week, but bounced back in midweek with a comprehensive 3-0 win in Marseille in the Champions League. Now, the challenge is to get three points on the board in the league once more ahead of next week's clash with Liverpool.

Pep Guardiola will have a similar squad available to him as the one he took to France, with Nathan Ake and Gabriel Jesus still not available. Likewise, Sergio Aguero, Fernandinho and Benjamin Mendy are still a way off returning.

There is still room for rotation, though, with Riyad Mahrez, Joao Cancelo and Bernardo Silva all starting on the bench in midweek.

Read how our writers think City should line up in Sheffield and use the widget below to pick your own starting XI:

Simon Bajkowski

If last weekend deflated any optimism from cautious wins over Arsenal and West Ham, a more characteristic win and performance at Marseille has put a positive spin on City for their short trip to Sheffield.

The defence picks itself given a few injuries, with Cancelo vs Zinchenko the only real choice that has to be made.

Further forward, the midfield trio seems to be the strongest City have following David Silva's departure - especially when Ilkay Gundogan can kick on.

I'd stick with the same attack as well, albeit moving Sterling to a central position and keeping Torres wide.

Pick your own team here:

Joe Bray

I'd bring in some of the players who were on the bench in Marseille - so Bernardo, Cancelo and Mahrez. With Liverpool coming up next week, I'd use this game to rest Kevin De Bruyne, and Bernardo can offer similar energy from midfield.

The chance to see Ruben Dias and Aymeric Laporte in partnership again feels more important than giving either a rest, but I can see the benefit of resting one of them with two big games this week.

As for who starts upfront, I'd use Raheem Sterling again but Guardiola now has the option of using Ferran Torres through the centre if he desires.

Marcus Banks

Liverpool are coming up but Sheffield United prove they are no pushovers at Anfield last week despite their position in the table with injuries mounting.

The Blades operated in a low block against Jurgen Klopp's side so City should use the same tactic as it recent weeks. Torres impressed centrally and I'd give the Spaniard another go through the middle.

Resting one of Dias or Laporte would be smart and keeping Cancelo fit for Liverpool could give Zinchenko some minutes.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.