Manchester City Striker Sergio Aguero is set to serve a three-match ban amid an incident that saw the Argentina international elbow Winston Reid in the 76th minute of City’s game against West Ham.
The three-match ban will see Aguero miss the Manchester derby scheduled to take place immediately after the international break.
Thus far, Aguero has scored six goals in just four games which are a testament to the attacking impetus he provides to Pep Guardiola’s side when he’s present on the pitch.
His absence over the next three games is set to be felt goal-wise, especially in the Manchester derby, judging by how sturdy United’s defence will be set-up by Pep’s managerial rival Jose Mourinho.
Without a doubt, the Manchester derby has been keenly awaited by all sets of football fans with the allure of having Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho at rival EPL clubs captivating the entire Premier League and arguably constituting the largest subplot of the season.
The derby has been dubbed as the battle of Manchester by many. However, without Aguero’s prowess in the attacking third, City’s goalscoring threat will be significantly depleted against United, which could make them a weaker side going into the clash.
But as we all know, Pep Guardiola isn’t the sort of gaffer that likes to put all his eggs in one basket. Hence, an adequate backup plan will probably be in place following Aguero’s suspension.
Pep is acutely aware of Aguero’s injury proneness, and his world-class managerial instinct would have forced him to get a backup plan ready in terms of tactics and personnel for when Aguero gets injured.
However, in the midst of his recent suspension, Pep will be able to deploy his alternative tactical approach which will possibly see Kelechi Ihenacho start up front for City.
The Citizens may have to utilise a midfield-oriented short passing style in a bid to exert their influence on the game and potentially outplay Mourinho’s side in the middle of the park.
Sterling could also feature as a false 9, but his non-prolific nature could see him waste some clear-cut chances. Ihenacho is evidently the best option for City up front at the moment.
Sky Blues will be keen on preserving their 100% record in the League even without their talismanic striker being present in the next three lineups.
Manchester City’s fixtures after the derby include a home game against Bournemouth and an outing away at Swansea.
The Manchester derby has to be the top priority for Pep Guardiola judging by the Calibre of opposition in the subsequent fixtures against the Cherries and the Swans.
United seem to have the edge in the tie now, but lest we forget, City’s new brand of football has left all the teams they’ve faced stunned and blown away. Mourinho should still be wary of what Guardiola has in store for the Red Devils on September 10.
