5 underlying problems for Pep Guardiola at Manchester City 

#1 Centre-back conundrum

Aymeric Laporte's knee injury suffered against Brighton will keep him out until February

Manchester City have scored 44 goals after 16 games this season, one less than last season’s tally at the same stage. However, they have let in 10 more goals in the same process. This probably gives us a clue as to what City’s biggest weakness is currently; their central defense.

Perhaps, Aymeric Laporte’s long-term knee injury played a key role in the team’s downfall at the back, but the club still has two very able centre-backs in John Stones and Nicolas Otamendi, both of who played crucial roles in City’s 17/18 'centurion' season.

Laporte has, without a doubt, been City’s principle defender since his arrival in January last year. The Frenchman has been a revelation for Guardiola and City, equivalent to what Virgil van Dijk has been for Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool. Club captain Vincent Kompany, who formed an excellent relationship with Laporte when fit, announced his farewell in the summer, leaving a huge void at defense.

Kompany’s leadership skills and passion for the club was unmatched and Guardiola should have known that a potential setback to Laporte could have serious implications at the back for City. However, the former Barcelona manager decided not go for a centre-back in the summer, claiming that Fernandinho could be a handy alternative if needed.

Vincent Kompany's departure and Stones and Otamendi's failings have hurt City defensively

The Brazilian was called into centre-back action in September following Laporte’s injury but greatly excelled in his new role. However, both Stones and Otamendi have been extremely subpar. The duo have had injury problems of their own, and have constantly made errors in judgement costing the team goals. If they can step up and regain their form, Fernandinho could might as well slot in at defensive-midfield again, a position he has been absolutely unplayable at for City in recent years.

Another centre-back alternative is 18-year-old Eric Garcia, who promises to be a potent option for City. The Spain U21 international is a prototype Guardiola defender, excellent on the ball and an immaculate passer. He’s hardly put a foot wrong whenever he’s played for City and looks absolutely destined to be a big part of the club in the future. He has also captained Spain's youth teams and is currently the only 18-year-old in the U21 side. John Stones’ injury against United on Saturday could be a blessing in disguise for young Garcia, who would look to start in upcoming dead-rubber Champions League game away to Dinamo Zagreb.