Match Coverage

Rico Lewis and Ruben Dias to return – Predicted XI: Manchester City vs Sheffield United (Premier League)

Published:

18:00

December 29th 2023

| Last Updated:

17:34

December 29th 2023

Leighton Brewer

Manchester City look to build on their victory at Goodison Park, when they host Sheffield United at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

While City did claim all three points on Wednesday night at Everton, they didn’t make light work of it, conceding in the first half hour of the game due to a sloppy passage of play, shooting themselves in the foot.

However, a spirited second half performance saw the comeback complete, courtesy of goals from Phil Foden, Julian Alvarez and eventually Bernardo Silva – who sealed the three points for the Blues.

Sheffield United pose a different threat but will have a similar approach to Everton, with the Blades likely to be happy conceding possession and looking to hit the champions on the break, a fate felt by City in the first-half on Merseyside.

The Yorkshire-based side currently sit bottom of the league after a dismal end to their most recent game, which saw a couple of own goals cause a 3-2 defeat to Luton Town.

Despite being heavy favourites for the game, the hosts will still be without their main talisman, with Guardiola confirming during the week Erling Haaland will be unavailable until January at the earliest.

While many thought Kevin De Bruyne might make his return to action this weekend, Guardiola has also confirmed the Belgian will remain absent, unable to make his return until the new year.

Without several key players available City are still clear cut favourites for this one, and with that being said, here is the side we think will take on Sheffield United at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.

Predicted XI

Ederson should keep his place in goal.

With the quick turnaround after Everton, we expect rotation in this one. As such, we think Rico Lewis will come into the side, replacing Kyle Walker.

Manuel Akanji saw his partner leave the field in the first-half due to injury at Goodison Park. We expect Akanji to start this one again, this time partnering Ruben Dias at the centre of defence.

Josko Gvardiol made excellent work of his 50 minutes after John Stones was forced off. We expect Gvardiol to return to the side, completing the back four.

Rodrigo should keep his place in the side all things considered.

Bernardo Silva should start, although we think it will be alongside Mateo Kovacic as opposed to Matheus Nunes.

Phil Foden was the difference maker on Wednesday, cropping up when his side needed him with an important goal, as well as a fantastic all-round display. Foden will keep his place in the side in a similar role to the one he had at Goodison.

In the absence of Erling Haaland it will be Julian Alvarez who leads the line once more.

Jack Grealish had an impressive outing and should also keep his place in the side, completing the starting XI for Saturday’s clash with Sheffield United!