Sunday’s derby against Manchester United is another crucial game for Manchester City. With the Premier League title race heating up it is imperative that the champions pick up three points to keep pressure on Liverpool and Arsenal. Going into the game it does appear that City’s best line up is settled. But there is one question going into the game. Who is better suited to play at right back against City’s arch-rivals?
There appears to be two candidates for the role tomorrow. Kyle Walker and Manuel Akanji both have claims to start against United. Each player brings their own assets to the role and each will be crucial as the season reaches its crescendo. But against Manchester United which one is better suited to start against Erik ten Hag’s side?
Which one of Kyle Walker and Manuel Akanji will get the nod?
It would be expected that United will sit in at the Etihad and look to hit City on the counter. While Manchester United do have quality in their side it would be a dangerous game for the visitors to go head to head with Manchester City. With that in mind it would be no surprise to see Erik ten Hag prefer pace in wide areas to look to exploit City’s high defensive line. If that is the case that style of game appears suited for Kyle Walker to start. The City captain has the pace and recovery ability to play a key role tomorrow. Walker will have a vital role to play in the business end of the season and if required his experience and pace could be a key ingredient of City’s defensive set up tomorrow.
But there is an argument that City’s best defence has Manuel Akanji in it. With Ruben Dias and John Stones looking certain to start in the heart of the City defence Akanji may slot in at right back. The Swiss international could also thrive against United. He has shown his versatility in recent games by play across City’s defence in wins over Luton, Bournemouth and Brentford. Akanji was also preferred at right back on his team’s run to the treble last campaign. It is clear Pep Guardiola has trust in Akanji in the biggest moments for which tomorrow’s game is one.
Manchester City have two world class options for the right back position tomorrow. Kyle Walker and Manuel Akanji both have claims to start in such a big game. It will be fascinating to see which one is preferred by Pep Guardiola in such a big game in City’s season tomorrow.
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