A Dream And A Reality – Two Possible Manchester City Lineups For The 2017/18 Season
Pep Guardiola spent an insane amount of money on his transfer targets at the start of the current season but he has not been able to compete for any kind of silverware yet this season. Though they have a chance in the FA Cup, the manager will not be happy with the progress his side have made this season and will be looking to add some star players to his squad at the end of the campaign. This has seen him get linked with a number of superstars for a move in the summer but who can he lure to the club?
Here is the dream predicted lineup for Manchester City next season:
A Manchester City Dream XI:
Goalkeeper – Gianluigi Donnarumma
Though AC Milan are confident of keeping the youngster at the club, the requirement at the Etihad might see Pep Guardiola steal him away from the Serie A. City will have to pay a huge amount for his services but he will solve a genuine problem at the club and is well worth it.
Full-backs – Kyle Walker, Jordi Alba
The first choice full backs this season have not been at their best and Guardiola will be looking to buy two full-backs for both the flanks. Tottenham Hotspur star Kyle Walker has been on the radar for some time now and Guardiola might be able to lure him away this summer. Barcelona star Jordi Alba is frustrated with the lack of playing time at the club and might find a reunion with Guardiola profitable at the Etihad next season.
Defence – John Stones, Virgil van Dijk
Though Stones has not been at his best, he is still young and should keep his place in the side next season while Southampton’s Virgil van Dijk could be the man partnering him at the back. Nicolas Otamendi has been decent this season and could be used as well. But Van Dijk would be the star addition to City’s defence this summer.
Midfield – Sergio Busquets, David Silva, Kevin de Bruyne
While Spanish star David Silva and Belgian attacker Kevin de Bruyne should keep their place in the midfield, Barcelona’s Sergio Busquets could be the perfect fit for Guardiola. Pep might try to lure him to Manchester City this summer. Fernandinho has been decent but Guardiola will need someone like Bakayoko for the challenges next season.
Attack – Kylian Mbappe, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Antoine Griezmann
As dreamy as it might sound, Manchester City can go for an overhaul in the summer and it is not beyond Guardiola to get these three attackers to the club next season. AS Monaco’s Kylian Mbappe is in the form of his life and can rule the Etihad for the years to come while the versatile Mkhitaryan can play in a variety of roles at the club. French star Antoine Griezmann is not only a Manchester United target but also a target for Manchester City as they look to replace Aguero and he should lead the attack for this exciting side.
However, Guardiola might find it hard to lure each of his top transfer targets and might have to settle for less-profile ones this summer. He will still be looking at possible options but will also have to have
He will still be looking at possible options but will also have to have an eye on players who are ready to move. So here is a realistic lineup that Guardiola can field next season.
The Realistic Manchester City XI:
Goal Keeper – Claudio Bravo
Though he has been shaky this season, Bravo will enter his second season at the club next campaign and he should be able to put all his nervousness behind him and establish a place in the first team. He could be the first choice for City next season.
Full-backs – Pablo Maffeo, Luke Shaw
The manager is not afraid to play young stars in his lineup and he could be seen using a couple of youngsters on either wing next season. With not many options in the market, Manchester City might stick with their graduate Maffeo on the right flank next season while they might be able to lure Luke Shaw, who is slowly showing signs of improvement at the Old Trafford.
Center Backs – John Stones, Nicolas Otamendi
Though they not the best in the league, Stones and Otamendi have formed a strong partnership at the back for Manchester City which could be profitable next season. Guardiola might still plan on signing a center back but he should trust and stick with the duo for another season.
Midfield – Fernandinho, David Silva, Kevin de Bruyne
The Brazilian CDM has done a decent job this season and even if Guardiola tries to replace him, there are very few options in the transfer market, which should see him stick with Fernandinho next season. De Bruyne and Silva should keep their place in the side.
Attack – Raheem Sterling, Sergio Aguero, Gabriel Jesus
Sterling and Jesus have been superb this season and Guardiola has little reason to look elsewhere. He should stick with the duo next season while Pep Guardiola might add Villarreal’s in-form winger Castillejo to his attack, to make it more exciting. However, he may not play in the first team. Aguero would be vying for a place with Gabriel Jesus.