Key Change In Midfield: 3-2-4-1 Manchester City Predicted Lineup vs Arsenal

Key Change In Midfield: 3-2-4-1 Manchester City Predicted Lineup vs Arsenal
man city lineup
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Manchester City will travel to the Emirates Stadium to take on Arsenal on Sunday in what will be the Premier League’s biggest clash of the weekend.

The Sky Blues bounced back from consecutive defeats to beat RB Leipzig 3-1 in the Champions League on Wednesday evening, thereby, making it two wins in two in the European tournament. They suffered a shock 2-1 loss at Wolves last weekend in the Premier League but showed great character to get the job done against RB Leipzig.

Boosted by the midweek victory, Pep Guardiola’s side will head to north London in a bid to end Arsenal’s unbeaten run in the league and maintain their top spot in the table.

Manchester City Team News

Manchester City were handed a double injury boost ahead of the Arsenal game with Bernardo Silva and John Stones recovering from their respective injuries and travelling to RB Leipzig for the Champions League fixture. That means long-term absentee Kevin De Bruyne (hamstring) is now the only City player on the sidelines.

Meanwhile, Rodri will miss the game at the Emirates Stadium as he serves the third and final game of his suspension following his red card against Nottingham Forest.

Predicted Man City lineup vs Arsenal (3-2-4-1)
Goalkeeper

Man City’s undisputed first-choice goalkeeper, Ederson will be hoping to shut up shop as quickly as possible at the Emirates Stadium.

Defence

In front of Ederson, City lined up in a 3-2-4-1 formation against RB Leipzig and Guardiola’s plan worked to treat. As a result, the Spanish tactician could stick to a 3-2-4-1 shape, with Kyle Walker, Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol starting in a back three in the Man City lineup.

The trio of Walker, Dias and Gvardiol have to be switched on from minute one until the last to keep a potent Arsenal attack at bay on Sunday.

Midfield

Up ahead in midfield, Manuel Akanji could retain his place from the Leipzig game in the Man City lineup. He will then partner Mateo Kovacic, who will replace the suspended Rodri in City’s engine room. The pair will be responsible for protecting the backline and recycling possession.

Phil Foden and Julian Alvarez could operate as advanced playmakers. Foden impressed and scored the opener against Leipzig, while Alvarez came off the bench and immediately impacted by netting City’s second. If the duo get their act right and combine well, Arsenal defenders could have a tough job keeping them quiet.

Matheus Nunes and Kalvin Phillips will provide further options in central midfield.

Attack

Bernardo Silva and Jack Grealish are expected to essay the roles of wide playmakers in the Man City lineup. Silva’s return from injury in midweek was a big boost and he looks primed to start, while Grealish could get the nod over an explosive Jeremy Doku given his superior work-rate. Doku in the second half might be a better option for Pep given the stadium and the stakes involved.

Leading the City attack will be none other than Erling Haaland, who will be desperate to get on the scoresheet after going goalless in the last two games.

Rohan Sengupta
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Rumours emerging from the Etihad Stadium suggest Guardiola wants one specific signing at Man City – Our View
Thu 5 October 2023 20:30
Billy Meyers
Pep Guardiola is seemingly intent on bringing one signing in particular to Manchester City in 2024.

The Citizens have interestingly been linked with a number of players who operate in the same position, which suggests Txiki Begiristain has been ordered to reinforce one specific area of the squad.

So, what rumours have emerged from Manchester City? Let’s take a look…

What’s the story?
Well, there have been a number of reports linking Manchester City to left-backs in recent weeks.

During the summer transfer window, a story from Mundo Deportivo claimed that Guardiola wanted to sign Barcelona No.3 Alejandro Balde, and even made a bid.

The Spain international has since signed a new contract at the Camp Nou.

MORE MAN CITY STORIES
Then – as detailed by 90min – it was said that Manchester City are looking at Inter Milan No.32 Federico Dimarco, who shone against the Citizens in the UEFA Champions League final.

Furthermore, respected South American journalist Martin Liberman claimed that Manchester City are very keen to sign Boca Juniors left-back Valentin Barco, with a separate report from Planeta Boca Juniors stating that the Citizens are preparing an £8m bid.

Photo by Marcelo Endelli/Getty Images
Amidst these stories, another article from 90min stated that Manchester City are looking at Bayern Munich No.19 Alphonso Davies, who is arguably one of the best left-backs in Europe.

One story is easy to ignore, but when so many left-backs are being linked to Manchester City, it’s difficult not to sit up and take notice.

Guardiola may be planning to revert back to a four-man defence at Manchester City
The 52-year-old has transcended the tactical side of football once again across the last season and a half, adopting a unique system which pushes central defenders into midfield, and tucks the full-backs inside as well.

It has seen the role of a traditional full-back somewhat go out of the window.

Photo by RONNY HARTMANN/AFP via Getty Images
Now – however – amid links to a number of left-backs, it could be argued that Guardiola is planning to revert back to a normal defence, or simply wants to have the personnel to make that change if needed.

Whatever the Spaniard is considering, we expect it to succeed based on his remarkable track record.

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