Pep Guardiola is now tempted to select Jeremy Doku for Manchester City ahead of Jack Grealish in Sunday’s Manchester derby.
So, what has been said about Jeremy Doku and Manchester City? Let’s take a look…
What’s the story?
Well, Guardiola has displayed a slight preference for the Belgium international so far this season.
Doku was given the nod ahead of Grealish when Manchester City were looking for a goal during the 1-0 defeat to Arsenal, with the England international not actually coming off the bench at all.
Guardiola then started his £55.5m signing from Rennes in the 2-1 win over Brighton on Saturday, again ahead of his £100m man.
Now – according to Delaney – the Spaniard is leaning towards Doku for Sunday’s Manchester derby at Old Trafford.
If the 52-year-old did choose to start the Manchester City No.11 ahead of Grealish, it would be the 21-year-old first ever taste of the Manchester derby.
While it may represent a risk in that respect, Doku has showed no signs whatsoever of any nervousness since arriving at the Etihad Stadium – quite the opposite in fact.
Jeremy Doku must start for Manchester City
In our view, Guardiola would be foolish not to start Doku – who Ally McCoist compared to Riyad Mahrez – against Manchester United.
Erik ten Hag is not blessed with a strong backline at the moment amid injuries to Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Luke Shaw.
Specifically, the full-back areas are looking very weak for the Red Devils.
Diogo Dalot and Sergio Reguilon – an emergency loan from Tottenham – started Tuesday’s 1-0 UEFA Champions League win over Copenhagen, for example, both of whom are fairly average, with all due respect.
Doku can operate on either flank, so we think Guardiola should let the Belgian loose, allowing him to switch wings at will and torment Dalot and Reguilon.
