Man City beat Newcastle United in a tightly fought contest last weekend but next Sunday, they have a relatively easier encounter against Sheffield United.
The reigning Premier League champions are currently second on the table only on goal difference but that could all change this weekend.
Sheffield United have just returned to the top division but they have gotten off to a really poor start, losing both of their matches so far. They have never picked up a point against Man City and the last time these two sides met was in the FA Cup last season and it was MCFC who had won that tie 3-0.
Manchester City will be without some important players but they are still the overwhelming favourites to win this weekend. Apart from Man City, Arsenal and Brighton are the only two other teams that have picked up maximum points from their first two matches so Guardiola’s boys cannot afford to take their foot off the peddle. They will face Arsenal in the first week of October but till then, MCFC have a very easy and winnable round of fixtures.
Manchester City’s team news and injuries:
Kevin De Bruyne is the biggest and most obvious absentee and his manager has made it clear that the playmaker will take a couple of months before he’s back to full fitness.
Apart from KDB, Bernardo Silva also missed the previous match for MCFC but the manager has revealed that the Portugal international is ill so he should be back in action against Sheffield United.
Against Newcastle United, Julian Alvarez played in the No 10 role with Phil Foden playing out on the right wing but if Silva is coming back then he will play out wide while Foden plays as the primary playmaker.
Alvarez scored the only goal vs the Magpies so it will be harsh to push him to the bench but if Silva is fully fit then he will surely fall down the pecking order.
John Stones missed last Sunday’s game with a thigh injury but he too should come back into the matchday squad. Stones played as the second defensive midfielder alongside Rodri last campaign but now that Pep has signed Mateo Kovacic, Stones will only find a place in the starting line up if there is an opening in defence.
Haaland was really underwhelming against Newcastle as he created only one big chance and made only six accurate passes. De Bruyne and Silva’s absence shut the supply line for the Norwegian international but he’s someone of immense talent so he should be back amongst the goals in matchweek three.
Man City predicted line up vs Sheffield United:
Predicted Starting Line up(4-2-3-1): Ederson; Walker; Akanji, Ruben Dias, Gvardiol; Rodri, Kovacic; Grealish, Phil Foden, Silva; Haaland.
