Manchester City return to Premier League action on Sunday when they take on Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux.
The Blues are hopeful of welcoming back Nathan Ake and Kevin De Bruyne following recent injuries, but neither are expected to start in the Midlands. Their possible returns would be a huge boost for Pep Guardiola, who didn’t manage to name a full matchday squad last time out against Fulham.
Ake’s absence has left City with just six defenders to choose from in recent weeks, and it’s likely that two of Ruben Dias, John Stones and Manuel Akanji will start at the heart of defence. At right-back, it will be a choice between Kyle Walker and Rico Lewis, both of whom played for England over the international break.
Selecting players who had a lighter international load could come into Guardiola’s thinking this weekend. That might mean Mateo Kovacic and Ilkay Gundogan start against Wolves given both have had two weeks off.
City aren’t as fortunate in the offensive areas, with Jack Grealish, Jeremy Doku, Bernardo Silva and Savinho all in action during the break. Two of the quartet will probably start out wide, with Erling Haaland a shoo-in to play up front.
The Norwegian has netted eight in four appearances against Wolves, including a four-goal haul when the sides last met. However, he drew a blank in this fixture last season when City were beaten 2-1 by Gary O’Neil’s side.
With all this in mind, here’s how we think City could set up on Sunday…
1. GK: Ederson
Has kept just one clean sheet this season, a record he'll be desperate to end at Molineux.
2. RB: Rico Lewis
Seems to be preferred over Walker at present. The only dilemma will be whether to play the teenager at right-back or as opposed to on the left or in the middle.
3. CB: Manuel Akanji
Along with Haaland, is the only outfield City player to start every league match this season.
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4. CB: Ruben Dias
Has been Akanji's preferred partner in the early weeks of the campaign, meaning Stones would be selected on the bench again.