Following a morale-boosting win over Arsenal in their opening fixture, Manchester City will return to the Etihad as they host Huddersfield Town on Sunday.
Raheem Sterling starred as Pep Guardiola’s men picked up a comfortable 2-0 victory over the Gunners.
Huddersfield are coming on the back of a 3:0 defeat at the hands of Chelsea and will look to avoid another humiliation as they gear up for a tough schedule ahead.
Manchester City – Team News
Manchester City will miss out on the services of key midfielder Kevin de Bruyne. The Belgian has suffered a knee injury and could be sidelined for up to 3 months. His absence will undoubtedly be a big blow for Guardiola.
In addition, Guardiola will also be without the services of David Silva, who is unlikely to start due to lack of match fitness while former Everton defender Eliaquim Mangala and fullback Danilo are both out with long-term injuries.
Predicted Manchester City lineup
Defence
Ederson Moraes will be the man between the sticks for the Manchester City this weekend. The Brazilian international has kept clean sheets in both of City’s games this season and will be looking to keep the momentum going.
Guardiola is not expected to make many changes at the back, meaning we could see the same back-four comprising of Kyle Walker, John Stones, Aymeric Laporte and Benjamin Mendy.
Both Walker and Mendy were solid against Arsenal with Mendy, in particular, mustering two assists to help the Sky Blues register a convincing win against the Gunners. The Frenchman also played a vital role in the build-up, accumulating 84 touches whilst taking two shots. There’s no doubt over the fact that he will play a key role this weekend.
Midfield
Ilkay Gundogan is expected to retain his place in the starting lineup despite a mixed performance against Arsenal. The former Borussia Dortmund midfielder will look to use his ball-carrying qualities and probe the Huddersfield back line with his incisive passing.
He will be partnered by the Bernardo Silva in the attacking half as Fernandinho is likely to be given the holding role. Silva will be the key creative outlet in De Bruyne’s absence and he has the quality to deliver.
Attack
We might witness a slight change in attack with Gabriel Jesus replacing Sergio Aguero as the lone striker up front. The Brazilian international will be making his first start this season. He will be partnered by the wide-duo of Raheem Sterling and Riyad Mahrez.
Sterling was by far Manchester City’s best attacker last week as, aside from scoring the opener, he completed three dribbles and took three shots, ultimately playing a prominent role in Man City’s victory over Arsenal.
Stat courtesy: Whoscored
