That’s what happens when you drop the League Two players, Pep!
Following Sunday’s drab title blockbuster, the Manchester City boss rested the potentially weary Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland for Wednesday’s clash with Aston Villa, but golden boy Phil Foden came to the fore amid a vintage Cityzen display.
The England international combined with Rodri to take over the contest as they shook off Jhon Duran’s first-half equaliser to win 4-1. It was a statement performance from the title hopefuls, but they’ve got a quick turnaround heading into Gameweek 32.
Here’s how City could line up for their clash away at Crystal Palace on Saturday afternoon.
GK: Stefan Ortega – Guardiola will be happy to retain Ortega if Ederson misses out again. While inferior with the ball, the Brazilian’s back-up exudes an air of calm.
RB: Manuel Akanji – This certainly isn’t a bad replacement for Kyle Walker given Akanji’s impressive athletic prowess.
CB: Ruben Dias – Slightly slow to react to Villa’s one-two which led to Duran’s equaliser, but Dias recovered thereafter and produced a stout enough midweek display. He should keep his place.
CB: John Stones – Guardiola said Stones could’ve featured on Wednesday, but the defender was once again an unused substitute. The boss won’t want to rush him back, but he’ll also want his star to notch a few minutes before City travel to Madrid.
LB: Josko Gvardiol – Gvardiol is taking full advantage of Nathan Ake’s absence, with the emerging left-back starring in City’s last two outings.
CM: Rodri – This is not your archetypal number six. City’s lynchpin, who simply doesn’t lose, is the ultimate footballer and was utterly imperious in midweek.
CM: Kevin De Bruyne – De Bruyne’s form came into question before he dropped to the bench against Villa. Despite City’s fine midweek display, it’d be a surprise to see the Belgian left out again.
CM: Phil Foden – Is this your PFA Player of the Year?
RW: Bernardo Silva – An attacking midfield tandem ahead of a potential Rodri-Stones axis means Guardiola will opt for security and retention down the flanks.
ST: Erling Haaland – Palace will try their utmost to squeeze Haaland’s space on Saturday, but they do not boast a defender of William Saliba or Gabriel’s calibre.
LW: Jack Grealish – With Foden excelling centrally and Jeremy Doku more likely to have an impact in a bout like this off the bench, Grealish should feature down the left flank.
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