Predicted Manchester City Lineup To Face Brighton and Hove Albion On The Opening Day Of 2017/18 Season
Manchester City will begin their 2017/18 season with an away trip to the Amex Stadium, where they will face Premier League newbies Brighton & Hove Albion.
The Citizens have spent heavily in the summer already and manager Pep Guardiola will be under some amount of pressure to deliver the Premier League title this time, after a not so successful campaign last time around. They are coming on the back of a very impressive pre-season, having trounced the likes of Real Madrid, Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United and will look to carry the same form into the league opener.
Team News
Only two absentees for Guardiola for the first game, as midfielder Ilkay Gundogan continues his recovery from a long-term injury, while new signing Benjamin Mendy too misses out due to a thigh problem.
Manager: Pep Guardiola
Formation: 3-5-2
Ederson Moraes (GK)
The most expensive goalkeeper in the world, Ederson joined City from Benfica in the summer and has looked the part in Guardiola’s system. Undisputed no.1 ahead of Claudio Bravo.
John Stones (CB)
After a tough initiation period last season, the Englishman will be hoping to better his performances in the coming campaign.
Vincent Kompany (CB)
The captain is extremely vital to the team’s fortunes. With him, the whole backline looks more solid and sturdy, and his partners too look better with him on the field.
Nicolas Otamendi (CB)
The final slot in the three-man defence will be occupied by Nicolas Otamendi. The Argentine lacks consistency in his game, but playing alongside Kompany gets the best out of him.
Kyle Walker (RWB)
City’s £50million-man, Walker will slot in on the right flank in a wing-back role. The former Tottenham Hotspur star has shown great form in the pre-season and can cause some serious trouble to the Seagulls while going forward.
Kevin De Bruyne (CM)
A genius in the middle of the park, the Belgian can create, score and dazzle the fans with his displays. At the peak of his prowess, he is a definite starter.
Fernandinho (DM)
The Brazilian will operate as the deepest of the midfielders and will look to offer a shield to his backline.
David Silva (CM)
The Spanish midfield maestro will slot alongside De Bruyne and unleash his bag of skills and creativity. If he and De Bruyne get going, it could be a long day for Brighton.
Danilo (LWB)
Another new signing, Danilo will occupy the left flank with fellow summer arrival Benjamin Mendy unavailable due to injury.
Gabriel Jesus (ST)
The Brazilian started off brilliantly upon his arrival in England last season. He will be keen to continue in the same vein of form this time around as well.
Sergio Aguero (ST)
The club’s leading goal-scorer in the Premier League. As usual, him finding form will be extremely important for their title ambitions.