The Manchester City Lineup That Should Start Against Liverpool on Sunday
By Max Cooper
Now, we don't mean to alarm you Manchester City supporters, but should you happen to lose to Liverpool on Sunday afternoon, you will find yourselves EIGHT points behind the current champions.
Sure, we're only eight matches into the new season, and "there is still everything to play for, one game at a time," and all that nonsense. But eight points? Eesh. That's not ideal. Especially when Pep Guardiola's men are looking a much weaker, inferior specimen to the one which picked up 98 points back in 2019.
And there are further problems. The goal-machine Sergio Aguero, who has been good for 15+ goals a season for the past decade, looks to have succumbed to the curse of old age and injury. The Argentine can't get fit for love nor money, and with the hit-and-miss Gabriel Jesus the only viable backup, Guardiola's hands are somewhat tied.
New signing Ferran Torres has emerged as a possible central option, and performed aptly in their 1-0 victory over Sheffield United. But the Citizens will have to improve massively if they are to topple the Reds at the Etihad, and reduce the gap to only two points, instead of slipping to eight behind.
How can they do that? Here's how. Check out 90min's Manchester City lineup to face Liverpool on Sunday afternoon.
1. Goalkeeper & Defenders
Ederson (GK) - Man City will need Ederson at his very best, having dropped a couple of clangers in big games of late. Guardiola will be praying that the imperious Brazilian eradicates any mistakes and leads by example.
Kyle Walker (RB) - It goes without saying, but Walker is one of the best right-backs in the world. And he has reaffirmed this stance with some excellent displays this season, forcing Joao Cancelo to search for regular minutes on the opposite side of the pitch. A certainty to start.
Aymeric Laporte (CB) - They may not be back to their best, but the Citizens do look much more composed with Laporte in the team once more. The Frenchman is hitting his stride after recovering from injury, and he can be the difference between victory and defeat against the Reds.
Ruben Dias (CB) - Another £50m+ defensive recruit, Dias has to work out for Guardiola. So far, he has looked the real deal, but the sternest of tests is just around the corner. Can he cope? Let's find out. (He's still better than John Stones, anyway).
Joao Cancelo (LB) - As mentioned, right-back Cancelo is being forced to operate on the left, firstly because of Walker's exceptional form, and secondly because Benjamin Mendy is not nearly as good a footballer as he is a cheerleader. The French left-back has picked up another knock, so Cancelo should get the nod in his place.
2. Midfielders
Kevin De Bruyne (CM) - The best player in the Premier League - so obviously, he's getting into this team. De Bruyne deserves better than the average displays he is receiving from those around him at the moment, and he will be all too aware of the consequences, should they lose on Sunday. Big game, big performance please, Kevin.
Rodri (CM) - The major question mark hanging over Rodri is his mobility, and that flaw could be painfully exposed by this expansive Liverpool team. The Spaniard will need to find a way to stem the flow of attacks, and put in his most commanding display since arriving from Atletico Madrid last season.
Ilkay Gundogan (CM) - He may not be the most fashionable name on the team sheet, but Gundogan is heavily trusted to carry out any instructions by Guardiola. The German midfielder is not the quickest or most physical, so he may be targeted by Jurgen Klopp's men. Can he handle it?
3. Forwards
Riyad Mahrez (RW) - He may often be in and out of the Man City side, but Mahrez is currently in. The winger impressed against Sheffield United, regularly turning his marker inside out with his twisty runs. Against the tougher Andy Robertson, he must be extremely coy and selective in his passing and dribbling on Sunday.
Ferran Torres (ST) - The three-point decision: Jesus or Torres? Sorry, but the former just doesn't convince us, especially on the big occasions. So let's give Torres a go instead. The Spaniard did well against the Blades, but he was just missing that cutting edge in front of goal. A winner against the Reds could be a great time to find that ruthlessness, though.
Raheem Sterling (LW) - No matter what happens, Sterling must start. The narrative tells us he will either score, get sent off or give away a last minute penalty against his former team, although Guardiola will certainly be keen to avoid two of those outcomes.