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At one stage I thought it certain that Manuel Pellegrini would opt to pack the midfield tomorrow evening, going with Sergio Aguero as the only striker. This was partly down to form and fitness of the other strikers but also taking a pragmatic approach having seen how City have, at times, struggled against the very best in Europe in terms of keeping possession.
Now I'm not so sure. The past two games have seen City firing again. No coincidence of course with a full complement of fit players now available, with the previously injured players (notably Samir Nasri, Vincent Kompany and Sergio Aguero) at 100%.
With Yaya Toure also out through suspension does this make up Pellegrini's mind? If he opts for a 4-5-1 you would assume in comes Fernando (for Toure) and then one of Jesus Navas or James Milner for Edin Dzeko. Or, does he go on the front foot and play Dzeko (who turned in a good performance against Newcastle), sacrificing a midfielder in the process.
Personally, I'd be inclined to go with the extra man in midfield, opting for Milner if fit and lining up something like this:
Hart
Zabaleta-Kompany-Mangala-Clichy
Miler-Fernando-Fernandinho-Nasri
Silva
Aguero
Thoughts?