Who should partner Ruben Dias in defence for City in the Manchester derby? | OneFootball

Who Pep Guardiola selects in the starting eleven for tomorrow’s Manchester derby is one story to watch for ahead of kick-off. It is usually almost impossible to pick Pep Guardiola’s starting lineups at the best of times. Heading into tomorrow’s derby at Old Trafford, there does appear to be question marks that surround who will partner Ruben Dias in the heart of City’s defence. It appears to be down to a choice of either Josko Gvardiol or Abdukodir Khusanov.

Josko Gvardiol appears to be the ideal player to partner Ruben Dias.

Ruben Dias played alongside Josko Gvardiol in City’s 2-nil win over Leicester City last week. He also moved to centre-back for the second half of City’s impressive 2-1 FA Cup quarter-final tie victory over Bournemouth. That move allowed Nico O’Reilly to slot in at left-back and shine at the Vitality Stadium.

The case for Josko Gvardiol to partner Ruben Dias in the heart of City’s defence against Manchester United is a strong one. Gvardiol playing as the left-sided centre-back does play to his strengths and helps City’s build-up play. Gvardiol is a weapon in City’s build-up play at left-back. For now, his strengths do tend to add more to Manchester City’s possession when he plays at centre-back. He is also more experienced than Abdukodir Khusanov and the occasion that is the Manchester derby shouldn’t get to Gvardiol. There is also the opportunity to start Nico O’Reilly at left-back if Gvardiol plays at centre-back. O’Reilly’s ability to get forward and height at set pieces could be a handy asset both going forward and defensively tomorrow. The case to start Gvardiol at centre-back is a strong one

Abdukodir Khusanov is the other option and he could be built for the occasion.

The other option to partner Ruben Dias in Manchester City’s defence is Abdukodir Khusanov. Khusanov was rested for Manchester City’s win over Leicester City. He also only played the first half of City’s win over Bournemouth.

Khusanov’s speed and strength in a challenge could be crucial against Manchester United’s threat on the break. We know how Manchester City will play at Old Trafford tomorrow. They will look to dominate possession and push everyone up the pitch. That will leave space on the counter. It’s a trade-off of how Pep Guardiola’s side plays. That’s not a new issue. Khusanov’s pace could be crucial in containing any threat that United offer on the counter. For that to happen Josko Gvardiol would likely move across to left-back to allow Khusanov to start. But the best attributes of Khusanov’s game could be needed at Old Trafford tomorrow.

If I was picking a player to partner Ruben Dias tomorrow it would be Josko Gvardiol.

If it was down to me I’d start Josko Gvardiol and Ruben Dias at centre-back tomorrow. That would allow Nico O’Reilly to start at left-back. For me, that’s City’s best defensive set-up with the options they currently have available at the back. That isn’t a knock on Khusanov as he’s made a fine start to his Manchester City career.

But for what Gvardiol adds to Manchester City’s possession play he’s my choice to partner Ruben Dias at centre-back tomorrow. Who Pep Guardiola decides to start is a story to watch for ahead of kickoff tomorrow. Either player can do the job, but at this stage of the season, it appears that Gvardiol is the better option currently.