Predicted XI

Sterling to lead the line - How Man City could line-up against Sheffield Utd

Fresh off an impressive away performance in the Champions League, Pep Guardiola's side return to league action with their tails up

8:00am on Saturday 31st October 2020
By Martin Macdonald

Pep Guardiola will likely ask Raheem Sterling to start in the centre-forward position when Manchester City take on Sheffield United this weekend.

The England international has played in that position before this season, including in the midweek Champions League victory over Marseille where he shared the forward duties with Ferran Torres and Phil Foden.

Sergio Aguero had returned from a knee injury to make a few appearances, but he has now joined Gabriel Jesus back on the shelve which means Guardiola is without a senior striker again.

Man City: Squad, FC Ratings, Matches, Formations

2020/21 Premier League: Standings, Matches, Team Stats, Player Stats

Joao Cancelo and Riyad Mahrez were given a rest midweek in France, but could be recalled by Guardiola, with the Portuguese in particular impressing at both wing-back and left-back in recent weeks.

Nathan Ake has been out with a groin problem but is in contention to feature versus the Blades.

Vitally for City, Kevin De Bruyne returned from injury against West Ham before starring against Marseille, so he should be in line to start and provide the heartbeat of their midfield.

Fernandinho and Benjamin Mendy are both absent.