City return to Premier League action with a trip to Norwich this evening (5:30pm BST), looking to continue where we left off before the international break.
Norwich meanwhile have endured a difficult start to life back in the top-flight, following their promotion from the Championship. With manager Daniel Farke’s admission the Canaries are also suffering an extensive injury list, much of the pre-match discussion has analysed how the Carrow Road outfit will fare against the Champions.
READ: Guardiola | ‘Sterling can be a world-beater’
WATCH: Inside City | Episode 353
View from the opposition
Norwich City: RECAP: Daniel Farke’s pre-Man City press conference
Daniel Farke: “We have a tricky situation against the one of the best teams in the world in terms of injuries. We have to handle it.
“I like Pep‘s playing philosophy. It’s perfect and they have world-class players – when that comes together, you will be successful. They are a classy club.
“This game is one of the toughest challenges you can get. We showed against Liverpool that we could compete. We were close to a good result.
“We have to be precise in our pressing and gain possession a lot. We need to be good in possession as well. We have to control the ball in many periods. We can’t defend for 90 minutes. We must be disciplined and bring our style onto the game.
“Some lads are nervous - you can tell. It’s normal and it’s up to me to give them some trust and confidence. We should go into the game with nothing to lose.
“I will back my lads whatever happens. I want them to be brave. They should have no regrets.”
Norwich City: Ben Godfrey: We need our character and spirit against Manchester City
Ben Godfrey: “We can be confident because we are a good team. We have the character and team spirit that we’ve shown so much now.
“Man City are one of the best in the world. We have a real job to do to get three points but it can also act as a good marker to see where we are as a team.”
Predictions
Manchester Evening News: Manchester City predicted line-up vs Norwich City
Marcus Banks: “Ederson will definitely retain his place between the sticks but his defence will change again.
“City were dealt a massive blow after it was revealed that Aymeric Laporte would be sidelined for the foreseeable future after surgery on his knee. Luckily for Guardiola, John Stones should be fit to partner Nicolas Otamendi in the heart of defence.
“Kyle Walker should also be given a start with Oleks Zinchenko operating on the left, though Benjamin Mendy may be fit enough to make the substitutes bench.
“Rodri should retain his place in midfield protecting the back four while Kevin De Bruyne is currently enjoying one of the best spells of his career. The Belgian can break two Premier League records if he continues his streak of assists against the newly promoted side. David Silva should partner him in the engine room.
“Riyad Mahrez showcased his skills for Algeria during the international break and will be chomping at the bit for a chance to impress. Norwich struggled to deal with the pace of Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah and Mahrez could have a similar impact on the flanks.
“Sergio Aguero and Raheem Sterling are both in the running for the Premier League golden boot after a blistering start to the campaign and will retain their places regardless of Gabriel Jesus returning to fitness.”
Sky Sports: Charlie Nicholas’ Premier League predictions: Norwich vs Man City
Charlie Nicholas: “Norwich are good going forward - everyone is talking about Teemu Pukki but Todd Cantwell has started great too. The full-backs like to get high, but they will not be doing that against City.
“Daniel Farke does not adopt a plan B, which I applaud - the expectation is that you are going to get beat. If you ask 90 per cent of Norwich fans right now if they would take a 4-1 hammering trying to open the game up, or whether they would rather lose 1-0 and not have a shot on goal, I think they would go for the former.
“It is not an embarrassment losing to Manchester City but they need to go at it from a positive aspect, which is how you test yourself. Kevin de Bruyne was amazing in Glasgow, as was Raheem Sterling over the international break, which is why I will go with this scoreline.
“CHARLIE PREDICTS: 2-6”
Fantasy Football
Premier League: Scout Selection: De Bruyne leads Man City triple threat
The Scout: “A trip to Norwich City gives Kevin De Bruyne (£9.8m) a great chance to continue his outstanding start to the 2019/20 Fantasy Premier League campaign.
“The Manchester City midfielder has one goal, five assists and 36 points in the first four Gameweeks.
“And his 16 chances created are more than any other player in the game.
“De Bruyne faces a Canaries defence who have conceded a league-high 10 goals, 47 shots in the box and 26 shots on target.
“That earns De Bruyne a spot in a Gameweek 5 Scout Selection team captained by Mohamed Salah (£12.5m).”
