It has been fascinating to watch Pep Guardiola navigate the second half of the season without a world-class natural left-back.
Shortly after moving to Bayern Munich on loan, Joao Cancelo received recognition for his work over the previous 12 months when he was chosen to the World Best XI. However, the Portugal star had been in poor form recently and had been replaced by others, notably center-back Nathan Ake.
There have also been stints there for Rico Lewis, Manuel Akanji, and even Bernardo Silva (as a wing back). This season, City has seen a slew of defensive injuries, and everyone on Guardiola’s squad has spent time on the pitch.
Nobody on the battlefield truly observed the general’s new, creative formation techniques as he emerged from the office.
With Ake out due to injury, John Stones is succeeding in his new position as a defensive midfielder, Julian Alvarez occasionally playing as an offensive midfielder, and Akanji is the preferred left defender.
Depending on the outcomes of the final day, City may win the championship by 11 points. Given that they won the championship last season without a number nine, perhaps it shouldn’t be that surprising. However, the absence of a striker last season was more of a concern for City supporters than the left-back position has been, and it may still be just a minor worry going into the FA Cup final.
While Antony hasn’t quite blown Manchester United’s doors off, he has made an impression. The 23-year-old has started all but five of his 44 appearances this season and has eight goals and three assists. He has demonstrated his threat on certain days with goals against Arsenal and Barcelona, and City is well aware of this after he scored a long-range consolation goal during the 6-3 thrashing in October.
However, they might not have to deal with him a third time. After a half-hour, the injured Brazilian was taken away on a stretcher during Thursday’s 4-1 victory over Chelsea at Old Trafford for United. After the game, manager Erik ten Hag stated that the injury appeared “serious” and that it is likely that the player won’t be ready for Wembley in seven days.
This gives Guardiola the option of using an additional lineup.
It is likely that City will continue to use the excellent 3-2-4-1 configuration that destroyed Real Madrid last week. That would make sense if Ake wasn’t totally match-fit and Antony was in the lineup.
However, with Antony likely out of commission, Guardiola may switch back to a back-four with less reason for concern at left-back. Jadon Sancho, who would probably fill the position on the right, would be easier for Akanji to defend against.
Additionally, it gives Kyle Walker the chance to engage in one-on-one combat with Marcus Rashford, who has 30 goals and is United’s leading goal threat. Who can’t he stop if he can stop Vinicius Jr.?
Guardiola may even start with one formation and change as the final progresses. The probable absence of Antony on the right opens up added flexibility for Guardiola – if he ever needed it.