“Maybe some wingers will have to play as a full-back" - Pep Guardiola hints at big Manchester City changes for Manchester derby

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has revealed that he is considering major tactical changes for his side's upcoming game against Manchester United on Sunday. The Spanish manager has seen his side struggle seriously in the last two months, losing seven of their last 10 games.

Manchester City have had a serious injury crisis for the most part of the 2024-25 season, with several defenders out injured or unavailable. The likes of Nathan Ake, John Stones, and Manuel Akanji are all out injured, while right-back Rico Lewis is suspended for the game at the Etihad.

Guardiola revealed in his press conference that the lack of full-back options may force him into a major tactical shake-up for the Manchester derby. He hinted at playing players out of position to ensure that he fields a competitive XI. He said via Evening Standard:

“I don’t know what I have to do. Maybe some wingers will have to play as a full-back or maybe Matheus [Nunes] can play as a full-back or maybe play five in the back with wing-backs as wingers. I don’t know. I’m thinking still a little bit.

“But the soul and sprit of the team is there. I’m sad for the players because the way they run and fight with the circumstances.”

Kyle Walker and Josko Gvardiol are available to feature at full-back. However, with Ruben Dias being the only senior centre-back available, the former Barcelona manager may opt for a tactical switch. He also has the option of playing 19-year-old academy graduate Jahmai Simpson-Pusey at centre-back as he has at times this season.

Manchester City remain without Mateo Kovacic, Rodri, and Oscar Bobb further forward, limiting the options available to Guardiola. Having tasted defeat to Ruben Amorim with Sporting CP this season, the Cityzens will be keen to avoid a derby defeat to the same coach.

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Manchester City boss praises Ruben Amorim's work at Manchester United ahead of derby

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has praised his Manchester United counterpart Ruben Amorim for the start to his tenure in charge of the Red Devils. The Portuguese coach was appointed as Manchester United boss in the aftermath of the sacking of Erik ten Hag by the club in November.

At his pre-match press conference, Guardiola revealed that he has observed developing patterns in how the Red Devils play under Amorim. He tipped the 39-year-old to be a success in his stint at Old Trafford. He said via BBC:

"It's already there. You see all the patterns, the movements, the runners and the pace. He will do a good job at United, I'm pretty sure of that."

Manchester United and Manchester City played out a 1-1 draw in their most recent meeting, the Community Shield, in August, with Guardiola's side winning on penalties. They will hope to ease some of their worries by inflicting a third successive league defeat on their rivals.