It’s one of those David and Goliath fixtures. Nothing is predictable in football, but you don’t expect Sheffield United to go to the Etihad and return with anything of note.

No disrespect to the Blades; they have earned their rights to be called spoilers, but how they lost at home to Luton last time out begs for concern. It was a relegation six-pointer, and Wes Foderingham and his defense managed to throw the game; it was a disaster.

Sheffield currently mops the Premier League table; nine points from nineteen games is nothing to celebrate, but there’s still time for them to claw things back. No team has ever survived having this tally at this stage, but records are meant to be broken.

The champions returned to Premier League action last weekend and had to break the resolve of Everton at Goodison Park. The Toffees took the battle to them and even scored first; however, Manchester City dug deep to find a way past their hosts.

In the continued absence of Erling Haaland, Julian Alvarez has been the man upfront in a fluid formation that often sees Phil Foden drifting across the front three. The England international scored a beauty to kickstart City’s comeback against Everton; he’ll be immense again this weekend.

Manchester City has conquered the world. What is their motivation for this season? It’s a tricky one, and we don’t expect them to lose interest. They can be the first side to win back-to-back trebles; now, that is some motivation.

How will they line up? The Sheffield goalkeeper was culpable for the goals they conceded against Luton; he must take responsibility and protect his near post. The Blades must also defend better, picking up their men while operating with zonal marking and ensuring they don’t sleep off.

There’s no word on Haaland yet; Jeremy Doku and Kevin De Bruyne are still not featured. Expect City to try some interesting options in this game. They need rest, and they will get it after the FA Cup, but for now, they have to go for every point.

The game the champions have in hand against Brentford can take them up to second, two points behind Liverpool if they do win. They’re still in the mix, and in most people’s books, they are still the favorites to win the title. There shouldn’t be many problems for them here.

Verdict: Straight win City