Q&A: Have City become too predictable?

In the final part of Wednesday's Q&A with our Shamoon Hafez, we focus on the challenges Pep Guardiola's side face when coming up against opponents who sit in a low block defensively.

Brian asked: Are Manchester City now too predictable to play against? New signings can only make a difference if the way City play changes to max out the new expertise in the team. Surely City are not wedded to a system or process and are driven by success?

Shamoon: It is a fair suggestion to say City have become somewhat predictable. We only need to look at the FA Cup final defeat by Crystal Palace and the goallless draw at rock bottom Southampton for recent examples of that, and then the loss to Al-Hilal.

Coming up against that low block - a team happy to sit back, soak up the pressure then hit City on the counter - is turning into a real conundrum for Guardiola to solve.

Previously they have had the magic of Kevin de Bruyne to unlock the defence, but which player in this City squad possesses that quality? Rayan Cherki's pass for Phil Foden's goal on Monday was delightful, but can he conjure that up on regular basis?