How Man City should line up against Wolves in Premier League

Manchester City are looking to extend their winning streak to six in all competitions when they welcome Wolves to the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

City are five points behind Liverpool in the Premier League standings but the Reds face their toughest test in recent weeks when Brendan Rodgers returns to Anfield with Leicester on Saturday.

Jurgen Klopp’s men showed defensive frailties during their midweek clash against RB Salzburg and the Foxes are in great form.

Should Liverpool drop points, City will have the chance to close the gap on Sunday against the Midlands side.

City haven’t lost against Wolves since 2010 and Pep Guardiola is set to rotate his team again to keep his players fresh.

Read how our writers think City should line up on Sunday and pick your own team using the widget at the bottom of the page:

Stuart Brennan

The absence of Kevin De Bruyne is a golden opportunity to give Phil Foden a rare start – City sometimes lack a bit of dynamism when the Belgian is absent, and the teenager provides that spark.

It is also a game where Gabriel Jesus could be given his head again, to build up his confidence and his goals tally, while Riyad Mahrez should be first name on the teamsheet at the moment.

Zinchenko is expected to return, but – unless the medical reports dictate otherwise – it would be good to see Mendy get a second successive start. He adds more attacking value, and it will be good to see him and Kyle Walker bombing down the sides again.

Simon Bajkowski

Kyle Walker and Aleks Zinchenko will both expect to return after missing the midweek win over Dinamo Zagreb, and it would be a surprise were either to be left out. Fernandinho and Nicolas Otamendi should have had sufficient rest too to be able to get through their third game in nine days.

With Kevin De Bruyne absent, it could be a chance for Phil Foden but given Guardiola’s comments on Friday it is hard to think beyond his established pair.

Bernardo Silva is least in form of the wingers, and I’d stick Gabriel Jesus back up front too.

Marcus Banks

News of De Bruyne’s injury is a blow to City but they have more than enough depth in the squad to cope with his absence, as shown by last season’s results.

Guardiola must pick between Joao Cancelo and Kyle Walker at right-back. The Portuguese deserves his chance to showcase his talents in the Premier League but dropping Walker would be kicking him when he’s down after another England squad snub. Zinchenko should return in place of Mendy.

With De Bruyne dropping out of midfield, Ilkay Gundogan is the natural replacement in the centre of the park.

Riyad Mahrez can’t be dropped given his recent form while Raheem Sterling is also hot in front of goal.

Sergio Aguero should get the nod over Gabriel Jesus to lead the line.