'Expect City to be on the front foot as much as possible' - the inside view on Man City ahead of Sheffield United clash

This time the Blades make the short trip across the Pennines to play City at the Etihad Stadium hoping to replicate their midweek exploits when they pulled off a stunning 2-1 victory over Manchester United to keep alive their slim hopes of beating the drop to the Championship.

Chris Wilder’s men will go head-to-head with Pep Guardiola’s league leaders having won four out of their last five matches across all competitions but still rooted to the foot of the table and 10 points adrift of fourth-from-bottom Brighton & Hove Albion.

Odds, referee, TV details: Everything you need to know ahead of Man City v Sheffield United

They will also come up against an in-form City side which has won its last seven league games – including Tuesday night’s 5-0 thrashing of West Bromwich Albion at the Hawthorns – and is now sitting at the top of the summit one point ahead of their Old Trafford neighbours with a game in hand.

Of course, none of Guardiola’s all-conquering side really needs any introduction but we thought we’d ask Simon Bajkowski, who covers the men from the Etihad for the Manchester Evening News, for his thoughts on City’s season so far.

Let’s take a look at what he has to say.

What have you made of City’s start to the season?

City had a slow start to the season where they were uncharacteristically poor in terms of creating chances and scoring, but did show a greater resolve in defence.

The 1-0 win at Bramall Lane was a neat snapshot of this.

The attack clicked in late-December and Guardiola's side haven't looked back, roaring to 11 straight wins in all competitions and soaring to the top of the league table.

Ominously for their rivals, not only do there look to be qualities there that won them the title in 2018 and 2019 but there has also been evolution in the team that makes them more dangerous.

City have a wealth of talent across the squad but who have been the standout performers this season?

Ilkay Gundogan has been excellent since playing in a more advanced role, Phil Foden has stepped up in recent weeks and the pairing of John Stones and Ruben Dias have been

outstanding but the real eye-catching performer has been Joao Cancelo.

He rarely made the team in his first season at the club but has transformed them in his second, playing nominally as a right-back but charging into attacking midfield whenever he gets a chance in a role that I for one haven't seen before in the league.

It is giving defences all kind of problems as they don't know who to pick up from a surging attack.

What would City fans (and the club) prefer - winning the Premier League or the Champions League?

Most fans will always say the Premier League. They haven't won it often enough to be used to it or complacent about it, and they have many issues with UEFA.

Guardiola also thinks the league is the best indicator of success as a manager - he may be best-known to some for the European final against United but it is nine league titles in 12 seasons as a manager that shows his real pedigree.

However, the club and Guardiola would both love to get their hands on the Champions League if they can as the next marker in both of their journeys - and you suspect supporters wouldn't be too distraught to win it either.

How strange has it been to watch games at the Etihad without the passionate support of City fans?

As strange as it has been everywhere else really.

The most enjoyable game of football to watch this season has probably been Southampton away, purely because there were 2,000 home supporters in.

It's a good thing that nobody likes it though and while it probably won't change anything it would be nice if the absence of fans made the clubs and the league appreciate them more when they do come back.

What style of football (or system) should United expect to come up against?

Expect City to be on the front foot as much as possible.

Whenever they are in possession at least one of their back four moves up the pitch and especially when playing without a recognised striker in recent weeks they will regularly have runners from midfield playing on the shoulders of the defence trying to exploit the space in behind them.

Low blocks are usually the best way of slowing them down, but nobody has been able to stop them winning since mid-December.

Score prediction?

2-0.

'I can honestly see them getting out of it' - what the pundits said about Sheffield United's win over Man Utd

What Match of the Day pundits said about Sheffield United's win at Man Utd

'He laughed' - How Sheffield United star's dad reacted to son's Man Utd selection

SPECIAL OFFER: By subscribing to The Star’s sports-only digital package you help us to continue providing the best coverage of Sheffield United. Until February 1 there’s 20 per cent off a year’s subscription, taking you through what is expected to be a busy transfer window.

All the details are HERE, just use the promo code TRANSFER20.

Your support is much appreciated. Thank you.