Sports Mole takes an in-depth look at how Manchester City could line up for Saturday’s Premier League clash with Sheffield United.
Manchester City could be without up to five first-team players for Saturday’s Premier League clash with Sheffield United at the Etihad Stadium.
The Citizens beat Everton 3-1 at Goodison Park on Wednesday night, but John Stones was forced off in the first half with an ankle injury that “doesn’t look good” according to manager Pep Guardiola.
Erling Haaland (foot), Kevin De Bruyne (hamstring) and Jeremy Doku (muscle) all missed the midweek trip to Merseyside as they continue to recover from injury, and while the latter two are considered as major doubts, Guardiola has suggested that the former is targeting a return in the New Year, seemingly ruling him out of Saturday’s meeting with the Blades.
Ruben Dias was also absent from the matchday squad against Everton due to illness, but the defender could be fit to return this weekend and may take the place of Stones in the back four, potentially joining Kyle Walker and two of Manuel Akanji, Nathan Ake or Josko Gvardiol.
Guardiola handed Matheus Nunes a start in centre-midfield alongside Rodri on Wednesday, but the former is at risk of losing his place to either Mateo Kovacic or Rico Lewis, while Kalvin Phillips is once again expected to begin as a substitute.
Phil Foden was a standout performer in the win at Everton and after scoring his ninth goal of the campaign in midweek, the Englishman is expected to continue in the number 10 role in between Bernardo Silva – who also scored against the Toffees – and Jack Grealish on the flanks.
Julian Alvarez was another who found the net on Wednesday and he is set to continue up front in the expected absence of Haaland.
Manchester City possible starting lineup: Ederson; Walker, Akanji, Dias, Ake; Lewis, Rodri; Bernardo, Foden, Grealish; Alvarez
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