The Pennine way
City know what to expect on Sunday.
The game against Huddersfield is reminiscent of the opening day clash with Brighton & Hove Albion – a newly-promoted side playing in front of a sell-out, noisy home crowd – not to mention a similar kit!
The Terriers are likely to press high and at full throttle deny City as much possession as possible – David Wagner knows if his team sits back and admires the Blues’ passing and movement, Huddersfield will be in trouble.
So, the hosts will come at City from the kick-off, it will be loud, intimidating and every bit as difficult as the opening day of the season on the south coast.
Eleventh heaven?
City are looking to record an eleventh consecutive away win – an incredible statistic.
The Blues have won 10 on the bounce on their travels, a run that stretches back seven months to a 2-2 draw with Middlesbrough.
The secret of that success is that City play the same whether at home or away – there is no one tactic for games at the Etihad and another for matches on the road – Pep Guardiola has found the perfect recipe, so why change it?
The Blues are also chasing an 18th consecutive win and a 26th match without loss. Amazing stuff.
Bernardo Silva: The best is yet to come
Huddersfield v Man City kick off time team news and TV Channel
Team selection
Nicolas Otamendi is likely to resume a partnership with Vincent Kompany in central defence and David Silva, Leroy Sane, Fernandinho, Fabian Delph and Gabriel Jesus could all start.
If Huddersfield do press high, don’t be surprised if City either try and play through the press or opt to send the odd ball over the top for either Jesus, Sergio Aguero, Raheem Sterling or Sane to chase.
As stated before, the Blues appear to not only have a Plan B, but a Plan C, D and E!
Best Silva yet?
David Silva has created eight goals in 12 Premier League appearances this term – last season he created seven in 34 games.
It’s fair to say the Blues’ playmaker is having one of his best seasons yet for City – quite an accolade given what has gone before – so has anything changed?
When Sergio Aguero signed in 2011, Silva told him, “you make the runs and I will find you” – now, with Sane, Silva, Aguero, Jesus, Kyle Walker and De Bruyne or whoever all making intelligent runs, the Spaniard has options every time he is in possession. And he finds his man more often than not.
He is the perfect conductor for Guardiola’s orchestra when it is in full song and he seems likely to enjoy his most productive season yet.
