Kovacic, Akanji And Ake To Start | 4-2-3-1 Manchester City Predicted Lineup Vs Sheffield United | OneFootball

Manchester City will welcome Sheffield United at the Etihad Stadium this Saturday afternoon as they look to secure all three points on the road. The Mancunian side managed to secure an impressive 3-1 win over Everton recently which should keep them in good spirits ahead of this clash.

Pep Guardiola will opt for the 4-2-3-1 formation and is expected to make some changes to his first XI for this game. Mateo Kovacic, Manuel Akanji and Nathan Ake will get a chance to play from the start of this contest.

4-2-3-1 Manchester City Predicted Lineup To Face Sheffield United

Defence

Ederson will feature in between the sticks for the Mancunian outfit after conceding one goal in his last league outing. Nathan Ake will resume his defensive partnership with Manuel Akanji at the heart of Man City’s backline as they try to keep things solid at the back throughout the game.

Kyle Walker will continue to function as the right-back while Josko Gvardiol hopes to catch the eye on the other flank as the left-back. Both of them will get the license to get forward and join in on the attack at every chance they get.

Ruben Dias is a slight concern ahead of this game as he continues to recover from an illness.

Manchester City’s Argentinian striker #19 Julian Alvarez (L) celebrates with Manchester City’s English midfielder #47 Phil Foden after scoring his team second goal during the English Premier League football match between Everton and Manchester City at Goodison Park in Liverpool, north west England on December 27, 2023. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP)

Midfield

Mateo Kovacic and Rodri will operate as the holding midfielders as they try to dictate the tempo of the game at the centre of the park. The talented trio of Jack Grealish, Phil Foden and Bernardo Silva will play just ahead of them as part of Man City’s attack.

Both Foden and Silva managed to find the back of the net in midweek and would be looking to do the same against the Blades.

Kalvin Phillips will have to settle for a spot on the bench as he waits for his chance to make an impact in the second 45 minutes if required.

Attack

Julian Alvarez will lead the line for the Mancunian club in the final third. He would be eager to threaten the Sheffield goal at every chance he gets during the game. However, this game might come too soon for Erling Haaland who continues to recover from his injury.