Manchester City is experiencing a small crisis at the moment. Losing four matches in a row is not something that is common for Pep Guardiola’s super-successful team. However, the same is true and the Cityzens will use the upcoming international break to recuperate and find a way out of their current position, which sees them second in the Premier League table.

Having taken the lead at the start of the first half, Manchester City could not maintain their lead in their 1-2 defeat against Brighton & Hove Albion last weekend. Perhaps the English champions will have to change their playing style slightly to cope with the absence of midfielder Rodri, the recent Ballon d’Or winner and perhaps their most important player.

READ ALSO: 3 Players Who Must Step Up When Rodri Is Absent

Manchester City should play two defensive midfielders in a 4-2-3-1 formation:

Manchester City played with a 3-2-4-1 formation which often became a 4-1-4-1 without possession, with Rico Lewis playing in a hybrid role. However, because Mateo Kovačić, who is not a typical number 6, played as a defensive midfielder in Rodri’s absence, the Cityzens were often found out when defending against the opponent’s fast-paced attacks. Lewis dropped to the wing to defend at right-back, which left Kovačić having to look after himself in the middle.

In such a scenario, Mattheus Nunes, who started on the left wing in the last few games, might have to play alongside Kovačić so that Kovačić can play more freely. If Nunes continues to accompany Kovačić, the Cityzens should have enough players in their defense to keep their opponents’ strikers at bay. This will also allow Kovačić to exert his creative influence which has been evident in the ongoing season.

If Nunes plays in a double pivot alongside Kovacic, Bernardo Silva may have to play on the left wing due to the absence of Jack Grealish and Jérémy Doku, both of whom are injured at the moment. However, that is the change that Guardiola must make to his team’s combination to maintain his team’s vulnerability to the opponent’s fast attacks. This would make their playing formation a solid 4-2-3-1, which might not allow them to maintain a numerical advantage up front, but would make them safer in defence.

READ ALSO: What is the Top 4-2-4 Formation Used in Football

Manchester City will face some monumental games after the international break:

Manchester City’s next two Premier League games, which will take place after the international break, are very important for them. Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool are the next two opponents in the Premier League, both of which are quite tough opponents.

Liverpool are in fantastic form at the moment and have opened up a five-point lead over the Cityzens after 11 games. Therefore, Guardiola’s troops will be eager to reduce this lead by beating the Reds in the meeting which will take place on December 1. Chelsea and Arsenal are also very close, leaving the top four wide open.

However, for that to happen, the Cityzens will have to curb their tendency to concede soft goals. Therefore, being safer at the back is absolutely necessary for them. Therefore, playing Nunez alongside Kovacic is something Guardiola should seriously consider. It remains to be seen whether the 53-year-old Spaniard decides to change his strategy in the upcoming matches.