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This article is part of Football FanCast's Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba's haircuts to League Two relegation battles...
Hands up if you saw that coming then. Manchester City's defeat to newly-promoted Norwich on Saturday came out of the blue, and big questions have since been asked about what the implications are for the future.
Heading into his side's first Champions League group stage game on Wednesday, Pep Guardiola has a lot to answer for. The decision to drop Kevin De Bruyne was eyebrow-raising and proved costly, while the centre-back partnership between Nicolas Otamendi and John Stones flattered to deceive.
With all that in mind, could we see the City boss look to do something different in midweek? Here's a look at how the Citizens could line up for the clash against Shakhtar Donetsk.
The big issue for Guardiola is undoubtedly how he goes about addressing Aymeric Laporte's absence. The Frenchman has been ruled out until the start of the new year with a serious injury, while Stones has now been added to the list of concerns too.
Therefore, could the City boss opt for a back-three to give his defence more protection? Kyle Walker has played the role for England ten times, whilst Fernandinho's qualities as a holding midfielder mean he wouldn't look too out of place as the middle of the three centre-backs.
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A change in shape could allow summer signing Joao Cancelo to make his first start of the season, and as someone who provided five assists last season for Juventus, he will relish the greater attacking freedom as a wing-back.
In midfield, Kevin De Bruyne will surely come straight back into the City line-up after being confined to the bench on Saturday, and should partner Rodri.
Playing this formation would also allow Guardiola the option to change things around tactically in terms of how the Citizens operate as an attacking unit. Bernardo Silva and Raheem Sterling could operate from out wide with Sergio Aguero as the lone striker, or the latter two could partner each other in attack with a number ten in behind them.
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Ultimately, City need a greater defensive balance over the coming months until Laporte is able to make his much-needed return. Changing tack and opting for a back-three would give them additional security and may be the answer to all their concerns.