Manchester City face Wolves at home on Sunday afternoon looking to close the gap to leader Arsenal to just two points before Mikel Arteta’s side face Manchester United after the champion’s match concludes.
Looking to build some much-needed momentum after the emphatic second-half performance against Spurs, here is my predicted XI I would like to see take on Julen Lopetegui’s side.
GK: Ederson
City’s number one shot-stopping is a major issue, and his error for Dejan Kulusevki’s opener on Thursday was unacceptable. Not good enough as of late.
RB: Rico Lewis
Imperative the teenager keeps his place after an outstanding performance against Spurs, Lewis’s ability to receive and turn in tight areas will be key to City’s tempo.
CB: John Stones
City need some continuity when it comes to the centre of defence, and Stones is essential to helping City in the build-up and cutting out potential counter-attacks. With Laporte by his side, I feel this is the Premier League’s strongest partnership.
CB: Aymeric Laporte
Laporte and Stones cover all facets of what makes a fantastic partnership, the duo provide defensive stability, ball carrying and progressiveness in their passing that few centre-backs in world football possess. I believe City need to stick to a pair and continue with them, as there have been too many changes to the back line this season.
LB: Joao Cancelo
Wolves will set up with a deep block and look to close passing lanes and stifle City and prevent any penetrative passes through. Cancelo is capable of conjuring up magic from that left-back spot, and with the Portuguese and Rico Lewis, City have an abundance of quality in the full-back areas that cause havoc for the visitors.
RM: Riyad Mahrez
City’s inform man, a world-class performance against Spurs when City needed him most. Mahrez has supreme confidence currently and looks devastating whenever he receives possession. I expect the Algerian to provide some much-needed magic to inspire the Blues once more.
CM: Rodri
No need for an explanation, the best in the world in his position and City’s heartbeat so far this season.
CM: Kevin De Bruyne
The best midfielder in the world was rested completely in the 4-2 win against Spurs and will be hungry to come back and prove a point, after a few poor showings recently have left certain fans pondering whether City currently operate better without the Belgian. De Bruyne will be the difference maker.
LM: Phil Foden
The reigning two-time PFA Young Player of the Year is currently not at his brilliant best, but I believe sooner rather than later Foden will explode into life and show Guardiola exactly what he’s capable of. I want Foden to play without any restrictions on him, commit defenders and use his majestic footwork to work angles and create opportunities. Foden has the world at his feet and is still just 22, however the England international needs to start performing as City need his class.
CF: Julian Alvarez
Alvarez was fantastic in the second half of the Tottenham game, and his ability to drop deep to drag defenders, make penetrative runs in behind the backline, his selfless pressing to cover Erling Haaland combined with a ruthless streak in front of goal and Alvarez gives a whole new dynamic to this City side and makes them a much bigger threat going forward.
ST: Erling Haaland
The goal machine was reawoken in the second half against Spurs after not scoring for three appearances. A massive drought for a player of Haaland’s ridiculous standards. The Norwegian has a sixth sense of where to be in the six-yard box, and his predatory instincts in front of goal are unparalleled in world football today. If City can create an abundance of chances for their number nine, Haaland could have a field day.
Substitutes:
Ortega, Walker, Dias, Akanji, Ake, Philips, Gundogan, Bernardo, Grealish
Prediction:
Manchester City 4-1 Wolves
Haaland (2), Mahrez (1), Alvarez (1), Podence (1)