Manchester City Possible Line-Up

Manchester City Possible Line-Up For Next Season

Manchester City finished the previous season in 2nd position, behind Liverpool. After noticing the difference in points between Liverpool and Manchester City, one can see it was not one of the best seasons for City and for Pep. They were eliminated in the Quarter Final stage of Champions League, which was a huge disappointment and a shock to many. Manchester City also lost in Semi Final of FA Cup against the eventual winners, Arsenal. Not able to win any major trophy is a huge disappointment for the fans and especially for Pep.

Losing David Silva will also be tough for City to cope with. The loss of Aguero in the strike force clearly impacted Manchester City. Pep has few positions that he need to sort out. New signings and some departures might do the job. Considering the players City are linked with and the players they have already signed, let us look in how City could lineup for the upcoming season, which is just few days away. A change in formation to a 4-2-3-1 so as to get the best players in the starting 11.

Manchester City’s Back line

This is where the main problem is, at the back. City have been quite good going forward but at the back they have been that much disappointing. The problem existed throughout the season but was never worked on. Against Arsenal they conceded two goals on counter, which they could have prevented. Against Lyon it was the same case, City’s defence could not hold the high press by Lyon players. With new signings like Ake and possible arrival of Koulibaly, would be a big upgrade.

Can’t wait to get started? #6 @ManCity pic.twitter.com/6ihIWGkFYO

— Nathan Aké (@NathanAke) August 28, 2020

Ederson will continue in goal, with Laporte and Garcia, Stones or Koulibaly in front of him. Kyle Walker or Cancelo at right back would be a tough choice for Pep, with the same situation at left back, between Ake and Mendy. The positives you get from Ake is that he can play as a center back and a left back too. Ake is still young and getting a place in starting 11 would not be easy.

Thus the ideal back line of Manchester City could be of :

• Goalkeeper – Ederson
• Right-back – Kyle Walker/ Cancelo
• Left-back – Mendy (Ake)
• Center-backs – Laporte and Koulibaly  

Manchester City’s Midfield

This is the area where Pep needs to have it all sorted. Manchester City’s game depends on how good the midfielders perform. It should be a mix of defensive and attacking players.

Looking at the choices Pep have, it would be tough to choose from. Fernandinho and Gundogan as the two defensive players. Right now there is no better option than these two for this role. Now, the number of players who can play as wingers or on flanks is a lot and the quality is immense. With the addition of Torres, who is an exceptional young player the squad depth increases.

Kevin De Bruyne will be the focal point of this team, playing behind the striker and in front of the two defensive players. On the left flank Sterling is the undisputed starter, on the right hand side Pep has to make a choice between Mahrez, Bernardo Silva and Ferran Torres. Pace and width would be needed so Mahrez will be the likely starter.

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? #ManCity| https://t.co/axa0klD5re pic.twitter.com/XGtoNj3uzv

— Manchester City (@ManCity) August 30, 2020

The possible midfield of Manchester City, if they go with 2 defensive midfielders is :

• Defensive midfielder : Fernandinho and Gundogan (Rodri as sub)
• Attacking Midfielder : Kevin De Bruyne (Foden as sub)
• Right Midfielder : Riyad Mahrez (Bernardo Silva/ Ferran Torres)
• Left Midfielder : Sterling (Foden a possible option)

Attacking Power

One of the position where City lack firepower is the attack. With only 2 options to choose from, which didn’t work out well for Pep in the later stages of Premier League and in Champions League. Aguero’s injury left City with only one striker in Jesus. This was his time to shine but it just did not workout for him.

Sergio Aguero 19/20 – The Overlooked Striker – Do It (Tuexdo)

For your viewing pleasure ?
Hope you enjoy! pic.twitter.com/0cc4VhiAmQ

— Don Daig (@Don_Daig) August 13, 2020

City might need to get a replacement for Aguero or try to sell Jesus and get in a better player. Buying a striker who can step-up when needed would cost them a lot, especially if City manage to get Koulibaly. A new striker does not seem possible so it would just be Aguero and Jesus to lead the team.

Thus the player to lead the line : 

• Striker : Aguero (Jesus as sub)

There could be few possible additions to the team or some transfer rumors might not be correct, but if these transfer happen Manchester City will be a side that the opposition would fear to face. This will not only help them in Premier League but also in Champions League. A talented squad and 5 possible substitutions in Premier League next season would help Pep a lot and compete again for the title.

We hope you enjoyed this article ‘Manchester City Possible Line-up For Next Season’. Who do you think will make it into the starting eleven of City next season and who else might join the citizens at Etihad Stadium? Let us know!