No Place For Julian Alvarez | 4-2-3-1 Manchester City Predicted Lineup Vs Aston Villa | OneFootball

Defending champions Manchester City dropped two vital points against Arsenal at home in the Premier League. It means they will have to depend upon the results of Liverpool and Arsenal while also winning their fixtures to defend their title this season.

While the turnaround seems tough, anything can happen in the game of football. The Citizens must keep their heads high and focus on their next challenge, which is against Aston Villa. They will host the Villans at Etihad Stadium this week and need to secure all three points at all costs.

4-2-3-1 Manchester City Predicted Lineup Vs Aston Villa

Defence

Expect Stefan Ortega to feature between the sticks once again as Ederson is yet to regain his full fitness. Recently, boss Pep Guardiola revealed that the latter goalkeeper wasn’t even close to starting against Arsenal.

The Citizens suffered another blow when Nathan Ake was forced subbed off on Sunday. He is unlikely to be available for the Aston Villa clash. Hence, Rico Lewis should be walking into the side as the right-back, while Manuel Akanji takes the centre-back role.

Akanji will have the company of none other than Ruben Dias in the middle. Josko Gvardiol was top-notch against the Gunners and should start as the left-back.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – JANUARY 31: Rico Lewis of Manchester City during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Burnley FC at Etihad Stadium on January 31, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)

Midfield

The holding midfield duo of Mateo Kovacic and Rodri did well to keep Arsenal’s midfielders in check. The defending champions enjoyed ball possession throughout the game.

Changes in the attacking line as Bernardo Silva and Phil Foden drop to the bench. Jeremy Doku and Jack Grealish operate on the wide areas alongside Kevin De Bruyne in the middle.

Attack

No place for Julian Alvarez as Erling Haaland continues to lead the offensive line. The Norwegian attacker had a quiet game on Sunday and missed one big opportunity. He would like to find the back of the net against Villans to regain his confidence.

4-2-3-1 Manchester City Predicted Lineup Vs Aston Villa