How will Man City set up under Maresca?

[Getty Images]It is hard to imagine Enzo Maresca setting up in a system that isn't a 3-2-2-3 shape in possession.

>This was the shape on the ball for Manchester City during the Treble season, when Maresca assisted Pep Guardiola, and was the case for Chelsea under Maresca too.

>Where it might differ is in how this 3-2-2-3 shape is arrived at, and which players are asked to do which role.

>Back four and back five formations out of possession can become a 3-2-2-3 on the ball depending on the players Maresca has, but it is likely his City side will defend with a back four in a 4-4-2.

>Rather than thinking of Maresca's system in positions - for example, left-back and right back – it makes more sense to think of it in roles.

>When the Italian was in charge at Stamford Bridge, Marc Cucurella and Malo Gusto both moved from their full-back positions into the attacking midfield positions of his on-ball shape – 3-2-(2)-3.

>Alternatively, Reece James inverted from right-back into holding midfield in possession – 3-(2)-2-3.

>And lastly, at City during the Treble-winning season, John Stones stepped up from centre-back out of possession into holding midfield in possession as a result of his ball-playing ability. The two full-backs and other centre-back instead formed the back three.

>Therefore, Maresca is likely to arrive at this 3-box-3 shape, but how he does so will depend on his players.