How Manchester City should line up against AS Roma

With Bayern Munich's progression into the last 16 of the Champions League an unfortunate, but undeniably foregone conclusion, Manchester City and AS Roma are likely to fight second place in Group E.

'I came, I saw, I conquered' were the words made famous by perhaps the most celebrated Roman figure in history, but Manuel Pellegrini's side must dampen the momentum of Rudi Garcia's growing empire on Tuesday night to stand any chance of qualifying. 

How Manchester City should line up


Goalkeeper
Joe Hart sees no benefits in Manuel Pellegrini's rotation system. Willy Caballero was preferred in wins over both Sheffield Wednesday and Hull City last week, despite Hart's encouraging start to the season, and although the Argentine may distribute the ball better than England's no.1, Hart certainly commands his area more audibly. Likely to start this evening. 



Defence
Eliaquim Mangala successfully coated his impressive debut against Chelsea in 'merde' Saturday. The Frenchman butted an absolute beauty past his own keeper, and then dived into an unnecessary tackle in his own area to give away a penalty and sacrifice his side's early 2-0 lead. Fortunately, Edin Džeko was on hand to save the 23-year-old's blushes and the blues won the game 4-2.



Mangala is a talented individual, but still very raw, and lining up alongside Vincent Kompany every week will definitely aid his development as a defender. There's no need to drop Mangala; his confidence would sink. 

Midfield
Roma have conceded just one goal in their first five Serie A fixtures, and their defence will take some breaking down. Samir Nasri's injury is a blessing in disguise for Manuel Pellegrini as it allows the pace of Jesus Navas and the energy of James Milner to infiltrate the starting eleven. Tonight, however, I'd go with the speed and creativity of the Spaniard.



Strikers
Sergio Agüero and Edin Džeko scored three goals between them on Saturday and have to line up alongside each other once again tonight. Roma's terrific defensive record may just wilt in front of City's salivating strike-force. 

Hull City 2 - 4 Manchester City: Player Ratings

Player Ratings
 Caballero 7 - Handed an eventful introduction to Premier League football, but could do nothing to stop Hull's two goals. Handling in the box was satisfactory and he made a couple of smart saves to deny Tom Huddlestone. 

 Zabaleta 7 - Returned to the starting line-up after missing City's 7-0 savaging of Sheffield Wednesday through suspension. A typically rugged display from the Argentine who enjoyed an unproblematic afternoon.

 Kompany 8 - A solid and sophisticated performance from the captain. Dealt with the threat of Jelavic's height admirably and outshone his young partner in the centre of defence. Absolutely vital to City's title defence. 

 Mangala 5 - His display contrasted worryingly with his impressive debut against Chelsea. Caught out of position for Hull's first which he headed into his own net, and gave away a penalty with a needless high-footed challenge inside the box. Talented, but still very raw.

 Clichy 6 - The Tigers enjoyed most of their more promising play down the right hand side and the Frenchman struggled to deal with the pace and energy of Ahmed Elmohamady.

 Milner 7 - Typically tenacious performance from the Englishman who  deserved his start after promising displays against both Chelsea and Sheffield Wednesday. Had no joy on the flank, but was heavily involved in City's attacking play when he moved into a more central position.

 Fernandinho 8 - Crucial presence in front of City's back four. Composed on the ball, confident in possession and strong in the tackle. Solid showing from the Brazilian.

 Yaya Toure 8 - Employed in a deeper role once again, but his vision and poise in possession helped City control the midfield. Often criticised for neglecting defensive duties, but battled well with Huddlestone to combat Hull's main threat. Also tested McGregor with a couple of tasty efforts reminiscent of last term.

 Silva 9 - Single-handedly won last season's equivalent fixture with an enchanting display of creativity, and he did the same on Saturday afternoon. The Spanish magician registered two assists and hovered among Hull City's defence throughout the 90 minutes. However, too selfless in front of goal. 

 Dzeko 8 - Scored two delicious goals in yet another terrific display. Held up the ball brilliantly alongside Aguero and rescued the blues from a potential upset. 

 Aguero 7 - Unplayable in the first half and commenced City's scoring with a sumptuous finish inside ten minutes, but faded in the second and was substituted. Possibly still short of full match fitness, but the Argentine is showing signs of his brilliance.

Substitutes
Navas 7 - Provided another dimension to City's attack and looked bright down the right flank.

Demichelis 6 - Helped see out the victory

Lampard 7 - Can't stop scoring! Always in the right place at the right time, and he saved Manuel Pellegrini a nervy last five minutes.

Manchester City 7 - 0 Sheffield Wednesday: Thoughts and Player Ratings

It was a merciless display from the Capital One Cup holders, and an imposing demonstration of their strength in depth. Frank Lampard (2), Edin Džeko (2), Jesus Navas, Yaya Touré and debutant Jose Angel Pozo all found the back of the net in Manchester City's 7-0 slaughtering of Sheffield Wednesday to set up a fourth round home tie against Newcastle United.

Jesus Navas and Frank Lampard shone
Jesus Navas is one of Manchester City's more under-appreciated members. The Spaniard is City's only natural winger, and although speed is his most acclaimed attribute, the 28-year-old is also an accomplished play-maker. 

Navas was by no means a regular starter last term, but in his 30 league appearances for the blues (the majority coming from off the bench), he created a total of 56 chances and registered 7 assists. Only Samir Nasri (91) and David Silva (84) created more. 


(Navas' pace may receive applause, but his ability to create chances is equally as important to Manuel Pellegrini - via@Squawka)

On Wednesday evening, the winger exhibited his creativity in sublime style, assisting two of City's seven goals and even netting one himself. It was an energetic and refreshingly unselfish performance.

And his new teammate Frank Lampard definitely isn't here just to fill a spot in City's homegrown quota. The 36-year-old's arrival at the Etihad Stadium attracted criticism from City's rivals, but Lampard is a proven goalscorer, and he offers both experience and composure in the heart of Manuel Pellegrini's midfield. The Chelsea legend bagged a brace on Wednesday night to take his tally to three goals in three appearances for the Premier League champions, and his maturity helped the blues control the flow of the play in their 7-0 victory.

Edin Džeko's goals should never be taken for granted
Edin Džeko is known for his typically mute performances, but the Bosnian can always be relied upon to score a goal. 


(The Bosnian failed to convert 80.7% of his shots last term - via @Squawka)

Džeko has a poor shot accuracy record (just 46% last season), but one in five of those efforts is likely to hit the back of the net. The 28-year-old contributed two incisive finishes to City's victory on Wednesday night, without doing much else, to record his 68th goal in 113 appearances for the blues, and although he'll continue to frustrate, he'll also continue to score.

Aleksandar Kolarov's delivery is unrivaled in England
Not a particularly special performance from the Serbian, but as always, his delivery into the box was sublime. Kolarov has an unmatched ability to control his whipped crosses with both power and precision - a defender's nightmare, and a striker's dream. 


(Kolarov's delivery into the box rarely fails to find a sky blue shirt)

Gaël Clichy is definitely the better defender, but Kolarov has more influence in the final third and he proved that again on Wednesday night with two perfect assists. 

Player Ratings
Caballero 6 - An uneventful evening for the Argentine, little chance to impress.

Sagna 6 - Influence of Navas and Milner on the right flank prevented him from bombing forward, but he looked assured defensively.

Mangala 7 - A quiet evening for the defender who continues to familiarise himself with Manuel Pellegrini's defensive tactics. Strong and composed on the ball.

Demichelis 6 - A straightforward evening for the 33-year-old. Mangala's pace made things very easy for him.

Kolarov 7 - Solid at the back and provided two delicious assists.

Navas 9 - A creator as well as a speedster. Set up two goals and netted a scorcher for himself. Top display.

Lampard 8 - Earned a penalty and raised his City tally to three. Knows how to score goals, knows how to control a midfield and continues to impress at his new club.

Fernandinho 7 - Allowed Navas and Lampard to work their magic in front of him. Solid.

Milner 7 - More involved in the second half and could have scored.

Yaya Touré 6 - Happy to sit back. Did nothing wrong, but there's always an aura of complacency surrounding him against sides in lower leagues. Scored a penalty.

Edin Džeko 6 - Poor first half, but he scored two goals. Can't argue with that.

Substitutes
Pozo 6 - Bright and energetic when he came on. Scored a tap in. 

Boyata 6 - Little to do.

Sinclair 6 - Game was already won.

Manchester City v Sheffield Wednesday: Possible line-up and team news

Manchester City acquainted themselves with a tantalising trio of Europe's finest last week, and they failed to record a single win. Arsenal, Bayern Munich and Chelsea all seized points from the English champions in respective Premier League and Champions League fixtures, but Manuel Pellegrini's men will be confident of returning to winning ways in the Capital One Cup on Wednesday evening. 


(Jerome Boateng's 90th minute strike denied City a point in their first Champions League game of the season)

The blues have been handed an appetising home fixture against Championship outfit Sheffield Wednesday - a side they haven't lost to since November 1993. 

Here's how the current Capital One Cup holders could line up:



Goalkeeper
Caballero is the obvious choice after a frenetic week for his English counterpart. The Argentine failed to impress in City's 3-0 Community Shield loss to Arsenal and is likely to be given the opportunity to redeem himself on Wednesday night.

Defence
Eliaquim Mangala's assured debut against the Premier League's most intimidating marksman provided a sweet taste for the future on Sunday afternoon, and the Frenchman's display will certainly guarantee him a starting place against Hull City this weekend. As a result, Martin Demichelis will be given the role of martialling a new-look back line.

Bacary Sagna is the perfect candidate to replace the supsended Pablo Zabaleta, and Matija Nastasić could emerge from the shadows to partner the Argentine. The Serbian has fallen irreparably down the pecking order at the club, but a composed performance tomorrow evening could fire him back into Manuel Pellegrini's plans. 


(Nastasić is expected to leave the club in the near future)

Midfield
Frank Lampard rescued a point for the blues in controversial fashion on Sunday, scoring an 85th minute equaliser against the club he represented for 13 years. His experience will give City composure in the centre of midfield. 

Alongside the 36-year-old, Seko Fofana could offer dynamism and pace going forward. The 19-year-old Frenchman has been training with the first team squad and has been likened to Yaya Touré. His inclusion in the side would definitely excite fans.


(Seko Fofana scored 8 goals and registered 6 assists in 28 appearances for the EDS last term)

Scott Sinclair's pace could be used on the right flank, whilst Aleksandar Kolarov could be given the chance to neglect his customary defence duties and focus on attacking on the left hand side.

Strikers
Edin Džeko is currently City's only fully fit first team striker, and the Bosnian is likely to assume one of the role's in Manuel Pellegrini's strike force tomorrow night. 

The 28-year-old could be acquainted with EDS star Jose Angel Pozo who has also been training with the first team squad this week. The striker, signed from Real Madrid in 2012, was nominated for the Academy Player of the Year award in his first full season at the club and has already registered 2 assists in 3 games for the EDS this term.

(Pozo could partner Edin Džeko tomorrow night)

Injury list

• Sergio Agüero (expected back this weekend)
• Samir Nasri
• Stevan Jovetić (expected back next Tuesday)
• Fernando
• David Silva (expected back this weekend

Why Yaya Touré is not a lost cause

Four months ago, Yaya Touré emerged as a champion from a campaign in which he scored 20 goals, created 40 chances, successfully completed 90% of his passes, and registered nine assists. 

His ferocious pace and explosive power propelled Manchester City through the remnants of incinerated defenders to their second Premier League title in three years, and his delicate technique rescued Manuel Pellegrini's side from an upset in the Capital One Cup final against Sunderland. 

But Touré's heavy, phlegmatic style of play doesn't lend itself to such a juxtaposition of aggressive and graceful qualities. The Ivorian often appears disinterested in the heart of City's midfield, especially alongside the tenacity of Fernandinho, but a surging jaunt into the 18-yard-box would swiftly erase concerns over his commitment. 

It's that unusual combination of characteristics that both enchants and confuses Manchester City fans. How can a player appear so casual one moment, and then offer an exhibition of sublime speed and monstrous muscle the next? It's what makes the 31-year-old unique, and it's what makes him the best box-to-box midfielder in world football. 


(Touré was City's top goalscorer in the Premier League last term - via @Squawka)

The 2013/2014 campaign was Touré's most successful as an attacking midfielder. The Ivorian was signed as a versatile No.5 in the summer of 2010 and attracted the interest of Roberto Mancini with a number of solid performances in the centre of defence for Barcelona. The Italian was a defensive-minded manager, but he chaperoned the defensive midfielder's glittering transformation into one of the most fearsome attacking players in Europe during his reign at the Etihad Stadium. Manuel Pellegrini's philosophies encouraged even more progression.

It was always unlikely that the four-time CAF African Footballer of the Year would stroll into the 2014/2015 season and replicate the irresistible form he hit last term, especially at 31-years-old. Throw the tragic loss of a brother, a disappointing World Cup campaign and the interference of a gluttonous agent into the equation, and expectations of a predatory start to the new season become even more ridiculous. 

Yaya Touré may have shown inhuman qualities in City's latest title winning crusade, but the man is still vulnerable to the physical and emotional demands of both the profession and everyday life.


(The Ivorian has been unable to maintain the form he hit during Manchester City's latest title winning campaign)

His performance against Bayern Munich on Wednesday night summarised his underwhelming start to the season. City's Player of the Year lumbered aimlessly around the field for 90 minutes, leaving Fernandinho with the unenviable task of plugging a fluid Bavarian midfield. Defensively, he offered nothing, and even when he was moved into a more attacking role later in the game, he took it as an opportunity to replenish his oxygen levels rather than to help the team snatch a goal. It was a dreadful performance.

But Touré looked undaunted by Jerome Boateng's 90th minute winner. He embraced his former boss Pep Guardiola with a toothy smile at the end of the game and giggled as his exhausted teammates crawled down the tunnel. His nonchalance infuriated Manchester City fans both in the stands and on social media, and the curious display of arrogance raised questions over the midfielder's ability to influence Manuel Pellegrini's side in the future. 


(The 31-year-old shares a joke with former manager Pep Guardiola after City's 1-0 loss to Bayern Munich on Wednesday)

Concerns over the midfielder's attitude are warranted, but questioning his ability is an overreaction. Touré remains a vital cog in the heart of Manchester City's field and can still alter the momentum of a game with one swing of the right boot. The Ivorian offers formidable presence and will continue to intimidate opponents with his Herculean frame throughout the season. His vision, awareness in possession and appetite for goals haven't deserted him, and although his energy and motivation levels may have taken a blow after such a difficult summer, his interminable list of attributes should not be ignored. 

Dropping Touré this weekend would be unthinkable. Against a side like Chelsea that possesses such strength in the midfield, Yaya must be included in Manuel Pellegrini's starting eleven to counteract the muscle of Nemanja Matić. James Milner may put in more effort that than the African, and Frank Lampard will be desperate to impress against his former suitors, but quite simply, Touré is the better player, and the option José Mourinho would most like to see withdrawn by his Chilean counterpart.


(Yaya's strength must be employed to counteract the influence of Nemanja Matić in Chelsea's midfield on Sunday)

Yaya Touré's Manchester City career is undoubtedly approaching its final years. Soon, big-money moves for the likes of Ross Barkley and Paul Pogba are likely to be submitted, but it's unlikely that the Premier League champions will ever truly replace the best box-to-box midfielder the division has harboured for the last nine years. 

Why replace him now?

Bayern Munich v Manchester City

Bavaria braced for gripping Group E opener.

Preview

Dissatisfied grumbling resounded around the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco last month as Manchester City were drawn in the same group as Bayern Munich for a second successive year. But for a club who endeavour to wrestle their way into the European elite, the German champions will offer Manchester City an indicator of how much they've either progressed, or gone backwards since last term.

The Bavarians teased the English champions in the same fixture 10 months ago. A 12-minute onslaught saw Thomas Müller and Mario Götze fire the kings of Europe into an early 2-0 lead, but a James Milner inspired fightback earned the blues an inconceivable 3-2 victory at the Allianz Arena. The win reilluminated faint hopes of a substantial run in football's most prestigious club competition, but Guardiola's side had already qualified, and the velocity of their early play coerced them into laziness and disorganisation in the second half. City, ironically, were knocked out by an unimpressive Barcelona team in the last 16. 

(Thomas Müller slotted Bayern into a five-minute lead at the Allianz Arena last December)

Remarkably, the man who orchestrated that famous result could leave the Etihad Stadium for as little as £5m in January. James Milner, whose current deal expires at the end of next season, has refused to commit his future to the club unless Manuel Pellegrini can guarantee him an extra helping of first-team football this year. The 28-year-old started and impressed with typical perseverance in City's 2-2 draw with Arsenal on Saturday, and his presence in the centre of midfield in the second half added solidity to a line-up that lacked the power of Yaya Touré. 

Milner's professional display signaled his importance to the strength of Manchester City's squad, but the Liverpool and Everton target, unfortunately, will never hold down a slot in the starting eleven. 

Jesus Navas, another player on the fringes of Manuel Pellegrini's star studded platoon, gave the Chilean a reminder of how vital he can be to City's title chances this season on Saturday. The blues have relied on the respective keep-ball qualities of Yaya Touré, Samir Nasri and David Silva to unlock defences in their first four Premier League fixtures, but against Stoke City a fortnight ago, the trusty trio failed to penetrate an impenetrable back-line. Navas offers a refreshing dose of pace and classic wing play that the Etihad Stadium hasn't seen since the days of Shaun Wright-Phillips, and although he may lack strength, the Spaniard gives the blues something different going forward, especially on the counter attack. 

Against teams that like to keep the ball, he should be considered more often. 

(Jesus Navas raced down the flank to provide Sergio Agüero with a tap in on Saturday afternoon)

Bayern Munich have strengthened this summer, bringing in AS Roma defender Mehdi Benatia and prolific Borussia Dortmund striker Robert Lewandowksi, but their real strength still lies in midfield. The arrival of Xabi Alonso infuses that midfield with even more Champions League and World Cup winning experience, and alongside Bastian Schweinsteiger and Thiago Alcântara, the Spaniard completes a threesome packed with steel, imagination and skill. 

Fortunately, Alonso's midfield partners will play no part in Wednesday night's clash after suffering respective knee and ankle injuries. Arjen Robben sat out of Bayern's training session on Sunday, but rejoined the team on Monday afternoon. Fellow winger Franck Ribery has been officially ruled out.

(Arjen Robben is in contention to start on Wednesday night, whilst Bastian Schweinsteiger has been ruled out with an ankle injury)

Real Madrid's unconvincing start to the season arguably renders Pep Guardiola's side the favourites for this year's competition. Luis Suárez, Lionel Messi and Neymar will form a formidable front three for Barcelona later this year, and José Mourinho's Chelsea have kicked off their Premier League campaign in style, but the German's are equipped with unrivaled strength and experience in every area of the field. 

There's never a 'good' time to play Bayern Munich, but Manchester City must take advantage of multiple casualties on Wednesday evening to aid their pursuit out of a challenging Group E.

Prediction: 1-1

Line-Ups

Possible Bayern Munich starting XI

• Schweinsteiger, Thiago, Ribery and Bastuber all out
• Robben trained with the team yesterday
• Five World Cup winners could start

Possible Manchester City starting XI

• Zabaleta ruled out through suspension, Sagna likely to start
• Yaya Touré set to return after being given a rest against Arsenal
• Milner and Navas could start for the second successive week after impressing on Saturday

Match Stats

• James Milner inspired a 3-2 comeback at the Allianz Arena last December as both teams qualified from Group D
• The teams have met four times in the last three years, and have recorded two wins each
• Both sides won their respective divisions last term
• Bayern have won 11, drawn 6 and lost 3 times at home against English teams in the Champions League

Arsenal 2 - 2 Manchester City: 3 Thoughts

1. Vincent Kompany is absolutely vital to City's title defence

Arsenal supporters developed an embarrassing habit last term; a habit that saw them compare Laurent Koscielny to Vincent Kompany. On Saturday, the Belgian forced those offensive comparisons straight back down the throats of those deluded 'Gooners'. 

Kompany gave a titanic performance at the heart of City's defence on Saturday; intercepting in key areas, muscling new-boy Danny Welbeck out of the picture and putting his beautifully chiseled body on the line to keep Joe Hart's hands cold. 

Martin Demichelis and Eliaquim Mangala may fight for a place in Manuel Pellegrini's defence this season, but Kompany's slot in the back four is confirmed.

2. Jesus Navas provides something vital going forward; pace

The Spaniard may lack strength, but his lack of muscle is certainly made up for in pace. City's attacking play has lacked the enthusiasm it emanated last term, and the respective passing abilities of Yaya Touré, Samir Nasri and David Silva have been relied upon to unlock defences.

Against Stoke City a fortnight ago, the trusty trio couldn't find a key, and Manuel Pellegrini lacked a plan B. The Chilean envisaged large spells of Arsenal possession on Saturday, and his decision to employ Jesus Navas on the right flank presented City with an effective outlet on the counter-attack. 

The Spaniard's speed and agility terrified Nacho Monreal throughout and fired the blues into an unexpected lead. Against teams that like to keep the ball, Navas should be considered more often.

3. City miss Touré

The Ivorian has been out of sorts so far this campaign, but the Ivorian undoubtedly offers an intimidating presence in the heart of City's midfield. 

Frank Lampard and Fernandinho formed a rusty and unfit partnership on Saturday afternoon that Jack Wilshere was able to wriggle himself through, but Yaya's strength would have added strength to City's line up. 

His importance to the team was evidenced by Pellegrini's decision to rest him completely for upcoming ties against Bayern Munich and Chelsea, but involvement on Saturday could have seen the champions pick up three crucial points.

Arsenal v Manchester City

Danny boy has proven nothing yet.


Preview
Before August 31st, Danny Welbeck, in the eyes of most English football fans, was an incredibly average footballer. Sixteen-million pounds, an excursion down the M1 and two goals against an unimpressive Switzerland side later, and the 23-year-old is now regarded as the answer to both Arsenal's and England's weaknesses up front.

It is likely that this abrupt change of heart could be the result of Welbeck leaving a club many people love to hate. The striker drags along with him a humiliating record of 20 goals in 92 league appearances for Manchester United, and that record should be questioned. Louis Van Gaal may have suffered an equally embarrassing start to life at Old Trafford, but the Dutchman swiftly banished a man who didn't meet the standards of his ambitious project at United, and brought in a replacement who has scored 39 goals in his last 54 appearances. 

The 20-time English champions have lost a workhorse; but not a proven goalscorer, and they'll be stronger for it.


(Arsenal need a goalscorer, but Welbeck is unlikely to attain to Arsène Wenger's problems)

What Welbeck will add to Arsène Wenger's squad is pace, and pace is something Manchester City have shown they struggle to deal with. Stoke City's Mame Biram Diouf bludgeoned the Premier League champions with a ferocious exhibition of speed two weeks ago to condemn the blues to their first league defeat of the season, and Manuel Pellegrini must plug his midfield in a bid to thwart the respective qualities of Alexis Sánchez, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Aaron Ramsey on Saturday.

The Chilean is likely to employ a 4-5-1 system, and James Milner could line up alongside Fernandinho in place of the injured Fernando. Yaya Touré, David Silva and Samir Nasri will be given freedom to roam just in front of Arsenal's defence, and the agility of Sergio Agüero should be preferred over the height of Edin Džeko in the lone role up front. The Bosnian certainly offers physicality going forward, but Agüero's speed and eye for goal will pose more problems to the heavy legs of Per Mertesacker.

 
(James Milner could replace the injured Fernando in the centre of midfield)

Stevan Jovetić has been reacquainted with the Etihad Stadium's injury table after picking up a hamstring injury on international duty for Montenegro, but Pablo Zabaleta is fit to play despite limping off in Argentina's 4-1 win over Germany last week. Frank Lampard and Eliaquim Mangala are also available for selection. 

Both sides suffered minor hic-ups against lowly opposition a fortnight ago, but the weekend clash will present a test of strength and resolve to both title challengers. A loss for the Gunners would give Arsenal fans yet another reason to verbally assault their manager, but a successive defeat for Manuel Pellegrini would raise serious questions over his side's ability to defend their title.

Prediction: 2-1

Line-Ups

Possible Arsenal starting XI

• Frightening pace up front
• Özil unlikely to track back - gives City an outlet down the left
• Welbeck in line to make his debut
• Ramsey has a 'small chance' of starting 

Possible Manchester City starting XI

• Mangala could make his debut 
• Zabaleta fit to play, ruling out a reunion between Sagna and his old teammates
• James Milner could replace the injured Fernando

Match Stats

• Manchester City have only lost two of their last nine games against Arsenal
• The blues haven't lost two consecutive games since October 2010
• City have lost only once on their last 5 away trips to the Emirates (D, W, L, D, D)
• Arsenal conceded five goals or more in three Premier League games last season - all were 12.45 kick-offs against top-four finishers

Why Sergio Agüero must start over Edin Džeko in a 4-5-1 system

Edin Džeko seemed almost certain to leave the Etihad Stadium two years ago.

The Bosnian became known as Manchester City's 'super sub' after rescuing the blues from embarrassment at The Hawthorns two years ago, and the stamp somewhat summarises his time under Roberto Mancini. At the Italian's disposal was possibly the Premier League's most talented bench-warmer, but Džeko's lethargic approach to the game made first-team opportunities very limited.

Since Mancini's departure last summer, Džeko has established himself as a key, and enthusiastic, member of the squad. The 28-year-old's game has acquired a hunger that failed to surface under his former manager, and in the 31 league games he appeared in last term, he contributed 16 crucial goals to City's title win. Džeko made 24 starts for the champions last season, six more than he did under Roberto Mancini in 2012/2013. 

Thank Manuel Pellegrini, the man who branded the striker a 'top player' just one month into his tenure at the club. 

(Džeko scored vital goals for Manchester City last term)

But even though the former Wolfsburg man is now considered a starter and no longer just a glamorous replacement for Sergio Agüero, Manchester City fans should not let the striker's improvement cloud one clear fact; Agüero is still first choice.

City travel to the Emirates on Saturday and are likely to adopt a 4-5-1 formation to counter the creativity in Arsenal's midfield. Fernando, if fit, and Fernandinho will provide a strong base just in front of the defence, whilst David Silva, Yaya Touré and Samir Nasri are likely to roam further up the field. Indeed, Džeko and Agüero can play together, but when there is only one spot up for grabs, the latter has to be chosen every time. 

The Argentine's numerous injuries have masked how much of an incredible footballer he actually is. The 26-year-old offers electrifying speed, dogged strength, unrelenting work-rate and an unrivaled eye for goal that, when fit, make him the league's best striker. Džeko may have a height advantage, but Agüero's abundance of qualities severely outweigh the Bosnian's, and Per Mertesacker will definitely have more trouble dealing with speed and agility over height and physicality.

(Agüero scored after just 23 seconds in City's 3-1 win over Liverpool in August)

The South American netted 17 goals in 23 appearances last season, and will still consider the campaign as a disappointing one for his personal objectives. He boasts the best minutes-per-goal ratio in Premier League history (54 goals every 113 Premier League minutes), has scored 54 goals in 90 league games for City, and he's still only 26. 

Edin Džeko may have improved, but Sergio Agüero is still City's No.1 striker.

Jay Rodriguez: An Englishman that could actually fit the bill at Manchester City

Manchester City have a grisly reputation for spoiling English talent.

In the last eight years, the Premier League champions have spent £108m on English players; but today, only Joe Hart occupies a relatively secure role in Manuel Pellegrini's starting eleven. 

Daniel Sturridge, Adam Johnson, Jack Rodwell and Micah Richards have all parted company with the despondency of the Manchester City bench in a bid to revitalise their careers in recent years, and the club has been heavily criticsed for contributing to the England national team's gradual demise. 

But that criticism has been unfair. City's current relationship with English players certainly requires some counselling, but the money they have invested in trying to encourage the Three Lions to roar in the last eight years shows a willingness to facilitate the development of English talent. 

Joleon Lescott and Gareth Barry established themselves as key members of the team during their time in Manchester, making a total of 239 appearances for the club between them. Joe Hart, signed by the blues for £660,000 from Shrewsbury Town in 2006, is now England's first choice goalkeeper and James Milner is regarded as one of the club's most crucial squad players. With the exception of Scott Sinclair, Manchester City present their English players with the opportunity to secure first-team places, and if they fail, it's either down to persistent injury, or simply because they're just not good enough. 


(Manchester City's English purchases since 2008)

One Englishman who could make an impact at the Etihad Stadium is Southampton's Jay Rodriguez. 

The striker ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament in a 4-1 loss to Manchester City in April and subsequently missed out on England's appalling World Cup campaign in Brazil. The injury polluted a successful campaign in which the 25-year-old scored 15 goals, and a season that attracted both Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur.

But since Álvaro Negredo's departure to Valencia on transfer deadline day, Rodriguez has emerged as a target for Manuel Pellegrini who is keen to infuse his squad with more English flavour. The forward's low-key reputation makes him an unexpected target for the riches of the English champions, but the former Burnley striker's impressive list of attributes renders him an ideal partner for Sergio Agüero, Edin Džeko or Stevan Jovetić.


(Rodriguez netted 15 league goals for the Saints last term)

Rodriguez is a poacher and likes to play off the last man. Thirteen of the 25-year-old's 15 goals last season came from inside the box and his tendency to linger inside the penalty area will make him an excellent target for the whipping crosses of Aleksandar Kolarov and Pablo Zabaleta. 

At 6ft 1, the striker also offers a physical presence up top and his three headed goals last term evidences his ability to intimidate defenders. Álvaro Negredo's muscular build gave the blues a physical advantage in the striking department in their 2013/2014 title win, and Rodriguez's stature could prove Manuel Pellegrini with the same power in his forward line. 


(A pitch view of Jay Rodriguez's 15 goals last season - via @Squawka)

The Southampton man's physicality would perhaps make him suited to a partnership with the technicality and pace of either Sergio Agüero or Stevan Jovetić, but Rodriguez also possesses the speed and agility that Edin Džeko lacks and requires alongside him. His willingness to run at defenders makes him a capable left winger when called upon, and in a 4-5-1 formation that utilises Jesus Navas on the right flank, Rodriguez would provide City with some much needed balance.


(Rodriguez uses both his pace and physical strength to score his goals)

Injury has presented a sizable obstacle in Manuel Pellegrini's preparations since joining the club in 2013, particularly higher up the pitch. Sergio Agüero and Stevan Jovetić are famed for their respective unfortunate relationships with injury trouble, but Jay Rodriguez has experienced injury just twice in his entire professional career. The forward is currently recovering from a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament and is expected to return next month, but his last injury came in October 2009 whilst he was at Burnley. His fortunate history with injury suggests that he would be available for selection on a regular basis.


(The 25-year-old's brief history with injury is promising - via transfermarkt.co.uk)

With only three strikers at his disposal, Manuel Pellegrini requires a fourth option to ensure Manchester City conduct a successful title defence this season. Álvaro Negredo's departure removed physicality from City's strike-force, but Jay Rodriguez's strength and pace makes him an ideal replacement for the Spaniard.

At £15m, the Englishman could prove to be a cheap and successful purchase.