Sports Mole takes an in-depth look at how Manchester City could line up for Sunday’s Premier League clash with West Ham United.
Manchester City will be without first-choice goalkeeper Ederson for Sunday’s Premier League title decider against West Ham United at the Etihad Stadium.
The Citizens, bidding to win a record fourth successive title, announced on Thursday that Ederson suffered a fractured eye socket in the 2-0 win at Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday and will subsequently miss the rest of the season.
Stefan Ortega replaced the Brazilian and inspired City to victory in North London with a number of key saves, and he is expected to start between the sticks against the Hammers.
Kevin De Bruyne was withdrawn at the same time as Ederson against Spurs after sustaining a knock to his Achilles. The playmaker has since revealed that he is “alright” but “really sore”, and he will be assessed in training on Friday.
Pep Guardiola will consider naming the same back four of Kyle Walker, Manuel Akanji, Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol that started in midweek, although both Nathan Ake and John Stones are waiting in the wings should their services be required.
Star midfielder Rodri, who has not lost any of the last 49 Premier League games he has started, could once again be joined in the middle of the pitch by Mateo Kovacic, who has started five of City’s last six league games.
It seems likely that De Bruyne will be fit to keep his place in an advanced midfield role alongside Phil Foden and Bernardo Silva, but if the Belgian is not deemed ready to start, then either Jeremy Doku or Jack Grealish could return, with Foden occupying the number 10 role.
Julian Alvarez is another option who could play in behind central striker Erling Haaland, who has 27 Premier League goals to his name this season and is five clear of his nearest challenger Cole Palmer (22) in the race for the Golden Boot.
Manchester City possible starting lineup: Ortega; Walker, Akanji, Dias, Gvardiol; Rodri, Kovacic; Bernardo, De Bruyne, Foden; Haaland
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