Sheffield United v Manchester City: Preview

With games coming thick and fast, there is an opportunity for Manchester City to put Saturday’s game behind them, although it will be foolish to think Sheffield United will be willing pushovers.

Manchester City have been on a curious run of form in the Premier League so far this season. They have established a pattern where they have won no more than 3 games in succession. Hopefully, the stuttering draw against Palace on Saturday will allow City to take all 3 points in Sheffield.

However, to come away with all 3 points will require City to put in the kind of battling performance that has often eluded them. This will be a bruising encounter in many ways in the cold January air. Some City players will even no doubt wear gloves and snoods.

It seems a while since City last played in Sheffield, and the amount of fans making the trip will only be limited by it taking place mid week.

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I like the old fashioned Bramall Lane ground, with its tightly packed stands rising amongst the terraced houses in the City centre. This is a close and visceral atmosphere, where City will need to silence the crowd as soon as possible.

Bramall Lane always reminds me a little of Maine Road, with its corner exits and exits under the stands and watching the game will provide an opportunity for some blues to reminisce.

But these days we are more focussed on the future than the past.

City come into this game either low on confidence or eager to make a statement – depending upon your point of view. With just a days training since the last game there may be some tired legs in the squad.

Guardiola will have to contend with at least 2 late fitness tests, as both John Stones and Benjamin Mendy have picked up muscle injuries. Whether this means they will join long term absentees, Aymeric Laporte and Leroy Sane, on the sidelines is not yet clear.

Either way this is a match where Guardiola will ring some changes. Quite whether it is just personnel or full system is unclear.

Ederson should start in goal with Oleks Zinchenko on the left and Kyle Walker on the right. Central defence will be Nicolas Otamendi and Fernandinho.

Midfield should see Rodrigo back, but with Kevin De Bruyne and maybe Phil Foden or Bernardo alongside. Up front will be Riyad Mahrez and Sergio Aguero. Hopefully they will be joined by Gabriel Jesus rather than Raheem Sterling, who looks in need of a rest.

An early goal to settle rhe crowd and our nerves would be welcome, but this is City so expect us to do it the hard way!