Man City predicted XI to face West Ham - three changes expected due to defensive injury crisis
Pep Guardiola may have to field a makeshift Manchester City back four at the London Stadium.
Manchester City’s lack of options in defence could cause Pep Guardiola a real headache this weekend when they take on West Ham United.
The Premier League champions will hope to take a step towards wrapping up a fourth title in just five years when they face David Moyes’s side.
However, City’s Achilles’ heel in the pursuit of top spot could prove to be their injury crisis at the back, with John Stones, Ruben Dias and Kyle Walker definitely out.
In addition, Aymeric Laporte and Fernandinho had to be replaced in the 5-1 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers on Wednesday and are now major doubts for the clash at the London Stadium.
Guardiola could head to the capital with just three fit, senior defenders in Joao Cancelo, Nathan Ake and Oleksandr Zinchenko, meaning a midfielder or youth player may have to deputise at the back.
However, in the more advanced areas, the City manager won’t have to contend with the same issues as all of his attack-minded players are fit.
The Sky Blues also don’t have a mid-week fixture, a rare luxury for Guardiola, so there might be less of an emphasis on rotation against the Hammers.
Here’s how we think he’ll line up at the weekend…
However, City’s Achilles’ heel in the pursuit of top spot could prove to be their injury crisis at the back, with John Stones, Ruben Dias and Kyle Walker definitely out.
5. Oleksandr Zinchenko
Had a tough night at Molineux and will have to improve against the trickery and directness of Jarrod Bowen.
6. Ilkay Gundogan
Should Rodri drop into defence, City’s No.8 might be asked to play in a slightly deeper role at the base of midfield.
7. Bernardo Silva
Started up front against Wolves, as he may do again on Sunday. However, Rodri playing in defence could see the Portugal international moved back due to the lack of midfield options.
8. Kevin De Bruyne
The most in-form man in the Premier League, and perhaps world football, De Bruyne’s four goals guided City to a huge victory at Molineux.