Defence
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Aleksander Kolarov – LB
Alex Kolorov is the more attack-minded of the two right backs at City. Clichy gives more stability, also possessing better recovery than his Serbian teammate but given Antonio Valencia, Jose’s first choice right back might no be available for the game, Kolarov will be a useful weapon.
The options available to Mourinho at left back are Phil jones, Chris Smalling and Fosu-Mensah, all three of whom are not the ideal replacement for Valencia. Kolarov could have a field day against a makeshift left back which is why he makes this spot.
John Stones – CB
John Stones became the most expensive defender of all time after City broke the transfer record to sign him from Everton this window. It might have been a gamble but he looks the part so far in that backline.
Kompany is still not a 100%, making Stones along with Otamendi the only fit centre-backs available to Pep Guardiola at the moment. But even if City’s captain was fit enough to play Stones is guaranteed to start because of his ball-playing ability.
Nicolas Otamendi – CB
Guardiola has so far played Kolarov in his defence but Otamendi is more natural option which is why he features in this position. Kompany is still getting back to fitness and is in no condition to start a game as big as the derby.
Otamendi didn't have the greatest of debut campaign but considering he was paired up with either Mangala or Demichelis last season, he fared pretty well in the public’s eyes. He would be the ideal choice to partner Stones in defence.
Pablo Zabaleta – RB
Bacary Sagna is the faster of the two right backs at Pep’s disposal. He also has a better cross on him. But up against a rampaging Luke Shaw Zabaleta would be a better option. Zabaleta has a better footballing brain and positioning when compared to Sagna.
When you go up against Shaw, having a player like Zabaleta is ideal because he uses his ability to cut inside and his link up play, to get the better of his opponents, because speed rarely works against Shaw.
