Talking Tactics: Manchester City uncovered

safc.com analyse Manchester City’s tactics ahead of Saturday’s game at the Stadium of Light.

We run the rule over their recent formations, highlight their weaknesses and strengths, and pinpoint the players who could make a difference on Wearside.

THE FORMATION: 4-1-4-1

According to Manchester City’s official website, the Citizens lined up with a 4-1-4-1 formation against Monaco in the UEFA Champions League before using a similar system in their Emirates FA Cup win over Huddersifled Town. Against Monaco, the game ended 5-3 to Pep Guardiola’s side who are likely to operate in the same way when they travel to Wearside – and that provides Sunderland with hope. Despite having a formidable forward line, City are vulnerable at back. Yaya Toure is their only defensive-minded midfielder in the line-up, meaning the defenders have a responsibility to play out from the back and push up the pitch. The Black Cats must push back, and press at pace.

DEFENCE

Sunderland’s best avenue to success could be to attack. City have kept just six clean sheets in the Premier League this season – seven less than leaders Chelsea – and they will allow their opponents time and space in the final third. John Stones has registered the most defensive blocks for City in the PL (10), but he ranks 48^th in the top flight. The England international forms a key component in Pep’s formula but intensity is often his enemy, with the defender guilty of league-high three errors leading to goals. Likewise, City’s forward-thinking and often makeshift full-backs will provide Sunderland’s wingers with space in behind.

MIDFIELD

Possession. Possession. Possession. Was it ever going to be any other way under Pep Guardiola? However, stutter there is a growing feeling within the Etihad Stadium - and when looking at their results - that the Spaniard’s trademark style is becoming increasingly effective. The Citizens have bossed possession in all of their games this season – keeping the ball better than any other team in the PL – while also completing more passes than any other side in the top flight. Back from the cold, Yaya Toure will form the base of City’s midfield as the likes of David Silva and Kevin De Bruyne pull the strings, while Raheem Sterling and Leroy Sane will bombard the Sunderland defence with pace.

ATTACK

Sergio Aguero will spearhead the Man City strike force this weekend but just a few weeks ago the Premier League hitman was unable to make the starting XI. It seems incredible that a player who has the best goals per-minute ratio if PL history could find himself on the bench, but the arrival of lively forward Gabriel Jesus did just that. The Brazilian’s work ethic and incredible energy had an immediate impact at the Etihad Stadium, but a knee injury has curtailed his involvement and Aguero is once again the man tasked with finding the target.That said, the Argentina international has still managed an incredible goal haul during the current campaign, netting 22 goals in just 30 appearances.

KEY MAN

David Silva will be key to keeping the ball, but Kevin De Bruyne will be the man when it comes to using it. The Belgium international has the been the ultimate team player during the current campaign and few have provided more assists, crosses and through balls in the PL this season. He’s struck the woodwork more than any other player in the top flight, but he’s also still managed six goals in all competitions - a tally he will be hoping to add to between now and the end of May.