Enter the last game week of the year, and things seem to be settling for Manchester City. Pep Guardiola’s team will host Sheffield United FC, which the treble winners would not mind at this stage. But they can take nothing for granted, as this season is shaping to be closer than expected. Here, we look at how the fixture could turn out with expected lineups, who are expected to win, and all the information you need to know about tomorrow’s game.

Sheffield United, on the other side, has been put to the test all the time. The team is battling to breathe, gaining only nine points in 19 games and finishing last in the table. Six of those points came in the wins against Brentford and Wolverhampton Wanderers at home, which may be crucial at the end of the season. However, the team first needs to cross the fiercest path of Etihad against an injury-affected yet gigantic unit.

Manchester City vs. Sheffield United preview

Team news and predicted XI

Pep Guardiola already hinted at keeping Erling Haaland out until next month after stress in his bones. Considering the Norwegian striker’s absence, we expect the Citizens to play their recent 4-3-2-1 formation. The team welcomed back their much-needed DM, Rodri, to bolster the midfield. Mateo Kovacic or Rico Lewis could start in place of Matheus Nunez, and Josko Gvardiol could start in place of the injured John Stones.

Similarly, the Blades are suffering from injury crises amongst their ranks, which could affect them more than the current champions. John Egan, Daniel Jebbison, Tom Davies, and Chris Basham are all out of the squad.

Manchester City expected XI: Ederson, Josko Gvardiol, Nathan Aké, Manuel Akanji, Kyle Walker, Rico Lewis/Mateo Kovačić, Rodri, Jack Grealish, Phil Foden, Bernardo Silva, and Julian Alvarez.

Sheffield United expected XI: Wesley Foderingham, George Baldock, Anel Ahmedhodzic, Jack Robinson, Auston Trusty, Vinicius de Souza Costa, Andre Brooks, G Hamer, Rhian Brewster, Oliver McBurnie, and Cameron Archer.

Head to Head Manchester City has won all six of their last six meetings and never lost their previous 12 games at home against Sheffield United.

READ MORE – “One of the Worst Tackles” – Rodri Says He Was ‘Lucky’ To ‘Go Home Safe’ After Fluminense Star’s Nasty Tackle

Predictions: It’s a battle between two opposites. Manchester City scored the most number of goals this season with 43, and Sheffield conceded the most with 47. According to our team at Essentially Sports, we’re predicting a comfortable 3-0 for Manchester City.

Injury News

Manchester City: Apart from missing Erling Haaland, the Sky Blues will not have the services of Jeremy Doku due to a muscle injury. Although Kevin De Bruyne is back to training after recovering from a hamstring injury, he is expected to return in January.

Sheffield United: John Egan, Daniel Jebbison, Tom Davies, and Chris Basham

Suspensions

Manchester City: None

Sheffield United: None

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