Pep Guardiola Faces Defensive Crisis Ahead of Manchester Derby with Key Players Missing
Manchester City’s clash with rivals at the Etihad this weekend promises to be a major test for Pep Guardiola, who is facing a defensive crisis. With John Stones, Nathan Ake, and Manuel Akanji all sidelined due to injury and Rico Lewis suspended following his red card at Crystal Palace, City will be without several key defensive options. This leaves Kyle Walker, Ruben Dias, and Josko Gvardiol as the only recognized senior defenders available for the derby.
Guardiola discussed his options in his pre-match press conference, admitting he might have to get creative with his lineup. He hinted at potentially asking a midfielder toq play out of position at full-back, mentioning Matheus Nunes, or even setting up with a back five and attack-minded wing-backs.
“I don’t know what I have to do,” Guardiola said. “Maybe some winger has to play as a full-back or Matheus can play as a full-back, or maybe we can play five at the back with wing-backs as wingers.”
With City struggling for results and both Walker and Gvardiol out of form, the prospect of forming a central three around Dias and matching United’s shape seems like a sensible solution. The challenge now lies in filling the gaps. Nunes could potentially slot in on the left, with Bernardo Silva offering a more natural option on the right.
This setup would allow City to retain control in midfield with Mateo Kovacic and Ilkay Gundogan, while maintaining creativity through Jack Grealish and Kevin De Bruyne, who will support Erling Haaland up front.
After recovering from illness, Phil Foden was available from the bench against Juventus, while Jeremy Doku and Savinho could provide impact as substitutes. Ederson is expected to remain in goal.
City’s Predicted XI:
Ederson, Walker, Dias, Gvardiol; Bernardo, Kovacic, Gundogan, Nunes; Grealish, De Bruyne, Haaland
With several players out of action and a potentially experimental lineup, Guardiola will need to work his tactical magic if City are to secure a crucial win over their fierce rivals.
