One point from the last two games would be disappointing in any stretch of the season. Taken into context, though, Manchester City were away to Arsenal and Chelsea, two fixtures that are always difficult to get any points from. City supporters can take solace in the squad playing well in both games despite missing some key players through injury.
Hopefully the squad can be back to 100% fitness on Saturday's Premier League against Hull City and the Sky Blues can once again collect all three points. Bacary Sagna is out until next month, but perhaps Pablo Zabaleta will be fit and ready to go. Another option wold be to switch formations. Center-back has been a concern early on in the season, but with Vincent Kompany playing the full 90 minutes against Chelsea and City’s full-backs continuing to be a cause for concern, a change in formation could be coming.
Below are the eleven players we believe Guardiola will select in his starting eleven against Hull. It might be time to switch up formations and we think Pep will opt for a three-at-the-back formation against Hull. This will hide the lack of full-back talent City have, while also allowing the team to maximize their midfield options.
Goalkeeper: Willy Caballero
Most City supporters would have been shocked if they were told a year ago that Caballero would be the unquestioned number one goalkeeper at this point in the season, but he’s done a very solid job in the role.
Defense: John Stones, Vincent Kompany, Nicolas Otamendi
These are City’s only three recognized center-backs but they're all likely needed against Hull. Not because Hull will control the game and threaten City’s defense, but having these three will allow Pep to have more men in midfield. Kompany might not be risked so soon after playing the entire Chelsea match, but even if the Belgian misses out Pep might stick with this formation and start Aleksandar Kolarov as the third center-back.
Midfield: Yaya Touré, Fabian Delph, David Silva, Kevin De Bruyne
With this formation, Delph and Touré would sit as the defensive midfielders and De Bruyne and Silva would be pushed further into the final third. Delph impressed against Chelsea, and with Fernandinho’s dip in form this might be another opportunity for Delph. Touré should slot right in next to him to help provide support with and without the ball. Further forward, De Bruyne and Silva are undoubtedly City’s two best midfield options despite the Belgian’s recent struggles.
Forwards: Raheem Sterling, Sergio Agüero, Leroy Sané
With Pep seemingly uninterested in playing Kelechi Iheanacho, combined with the poor play of both Jesús Navas and Nolito this season, the front three really picks itself. Barring an injury, these will be City’s three strikers against Hull.