I would agree that they change tactically because if they use a normal game against City they risk a heavy defeat.
Presumably this may include loading up with more defensive players to stop our passing game.
I’ve noticed several ways, teams have tried to change tactically.
One is leaving out certain players.
Delofeau- Watford, Everton left out several, West Ham didn’t pick arnautovic which is one that baffled me, as he didn’t take part at all.
So these teams, have been playing defensively, their players working extremely hard, then they bring on their game changers, fresh from the bench, with instruction to go all out for the last 10 or 20 mins.
Watford away almost worked, the last five or ten mins, shredded a few nerves in the away end.
It’s quite interesting, how teams are continually trying to find a way to get a result.