Man City news: Expert ‘sure’ on Fernandinho axe after what he’s seen
Fernandinho will be axed for Nathan Ake against Aston Villa on the final day (22 May) after West Ham exploited the Man City veteran on Sunday (15 May).
That is according to former Leeds striker Noel Whelan, who was speaking exclusively to Football Insider in the wake of the 2-2 draw at the London Stadium.
Jarrod Bowen took advantage of Man City’s defensive injury woes to put West Ham into a 2-0 lead before Pep Guardiola’s side pegged the Irons back after the interval.
37-year-old Fernandinho, who is out of contract at the end of the season, started in place of Ake amid injuries to Ruben Dias and Kyle Walker.
Man City can seal the Premier League title with a win on the final day (22 May) against Aston Villa.
Whelan insisted he is “sure” Ake will be alongside Aymeric Laporte for the crunch game at the Etihad Stadium.
“I think Nathan Ake is a fantastic player,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“I was very surprised to see Fernandinho in the starting line-up ahead of him. Surely if you’re on the bench, you’re fit enough to play most of the game.
“Ake is the more natural option for that spot. We can’t question Pep, and you’ve got to give Bowen credit – but his decision didn’t really pay dividends there.
“I like to see defenders playing in defence. I’m sure Ake will come back into the side on the final day.”
Ake has made 14 appearances in the Premier League – 10 of them coming from the start.
Fernandinho has already confirmed his intention to depart the Etihad Stadium this summer.
In other news, pundit hits back at Guardiola as Liverpool row takes new twist.