Ake probably will start. I really rate him as a CB and I'm pleased for him that he's now getting more game time at City. But LB is in my opinion, still our biggest problem area.
Whilst Ake provides more defensive stability in that position than his teammates are offering currently, going forward is where the problems occur.
Given Ake isn't a naturally attack-minded left back it means that Grealish or Foden are the sole attacking threat from that side. We dominate possession in nearly every game and we've become extremely predictable on this side. It's easy for a team to organise themselves when they know our full back will give the ball to the wide players every time. Ake also doesn't have the same passing range as other fullbacks and is less likely to switch play, which makes the overloads we play for, less effective.
Unfortunately Cancelo's form has fallen off a cliff and Pep doesn't seem to trust him at Left Back for the time being. It's understandable, but it limits us going forward and given how devastating we were from that side last season, its frustrating to see what's happening currently as its not bringing the best out of anyone. I've no idea what the answer is, but hopefully Pep can get the balance right soon and get us back to our lethal best.
