![MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 06: [Editor's note - digital filters were used in the creation of this image] Vincent Kompany and Sergio Aguero of Manchester City lift the Premier League trophy during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Huddersfield Town at Etihad Stadium on May 6, 2018 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/2706ce57ad3e0da5b612a639075364ec25b665249c106b6e7452ebdc58625251.jpg "MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 06: [Editor's note - digital filters were used in the creation of this image] Vincent Kompany and Sergio Aguero of Manchester City lift the Premier League trophy during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Huddersfield Town at Etihad Stadium on May 6, 2018 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)")
Manchester City play Premier League minnows Huddersfield Town at the Etihad Stadium this weekend. Here’s a look at how Pep will arrange his pawns.
Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City side is in high spirits after getting the better of Unai Emery’s Arsenal last weekend. The Premier League’s defending champions comfortably dispatched the Gunners courtesy of goals from Bernardo Silva and Raheem Sterling.
The Citizens now welcome Huddersfield Town in their own backyard at the Etihad Stadium. Pep’s men will be looking to add three more points, this time in the absence of their team’s engine- Kevin De Bruyne.
Let’s take a look at their likely eleven.
Defense
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Ederson Moraes currently looks like the only one in the City team who is safe from rotation. The Brazilian is expected to keep his place in the starting eleven against the Terriers.
Benjamin Mendy showed no signs of being rusty against Arsenal having been played for an entire Premier League game after a long time. In fact, the former Monaco man chipped in with both assists last weekend and is probably going to start this Sunday as well.
In spite of returning late after international commitments, Kyle Walker was brilliant against the Gunners. His speed helped in nullifying Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s threat on the left wing. The England right back is expected to start once again.
Nicolas Otamendi and Vincent Kompany were not even on the bench in the defeat of Arsenal but could get back into the fray after a long rest period. The two central defenders could be the better bet to go as a pair against David Wagner’s side.
Midfield
Man City boast one of the widest choices at the centre of the park amongst those present in the Premier League. Pep is likely to go with Fernandinho at defensive midfield in this one.
Kevin De Bruyne’s absence due to injury would signal another chance for Bernardo Silva to exploit the opposition. The Portuguese was on target against Arsenal with a powerful finish.
Ilkay Gundogan did start against the Gunners last week. However, he could make way for David Silva this Sunday. The Spaniard was not even on the bench at the Emirates Stadium.
Attack
Leroy Sane was left out of the starting line-up versus Arsenal. Pep Guardiola’s strict rotation policy could see the German come back into the eleven instead of Sterling for Huddersfield’s visit.
Riyad Mahrez is expected to start at right wing after a stunning debut display against Arsenal. The Algerian was also on set piece duties at times.
Sergio Kun Aguero was the Manchester City striker in the last two matches. Gabriel Jesus is now back from Brazil duty and could be a guaranteed starter for the Etihad outing.
Can Pep make it six out of six points on Sunday?