Man City boss Pep Guardiola given FA Cup final possibility thanks to potential Manchester United problem

Pep Guardiola’s journey of going throughout the second half of the season without a top-class natural left-back has been fascinating.

Joao Cancelo was named in the World Best XI shortly after his loan switch to Bayern Munich for his efforts over the previous 12 months. The Portugal star had been struggling for form in the present, though, and had seen others take his place, namely centre-back Nathan Ake.

Rico Lewis, Manuel Akanji and even Bernardo Silva (as a wing back) have all had their turn there too. City have had to deal with a host of defensive injuries yet again this season and Guardiola’s ranks have all had a fair share of time on the frontlines.

ALSO READ: Rodri lifts lid on Man City mood over injuries

The general came out of the office with a fresh set of innovative formation tactics that no-one on the battlefield really saw coming.

John Stones excelling in his new-found role as a defensive midfielder, Julian Alvarez sometimes operating as an attacking midfielder, Akanji being the first-choice left back with Ake sidelined.

City could win the title by 11 points, depending on final day results. Perhaps it should come as little surprise given they won the title without a number nine last season. But the worries about the left-back slot have been bigger in the minds of City fans as the lack of a striker ever had been last term, and it may yet still be a small concern ahead of the FA Cup final.

While Antony has not set the world alight at Manchester United, he has impressed. The 23-year-old has grabbed eight goals and three assists having started all but five of his 44 games this season. Strikes against Arsenal and Barcelona have shown what threat he possesses on his day, something City know well after he fired