Manchester City will begin the Pep era on Saturday when they take on Sunderland at the Etihad stadium. It’s not only the manager that has changed but also the core of the team, the club badge, and the whole support staff. The Citizens will be wary of the fact that they haven’t had much match practice, given they have only played three preseason games, in which they won only one and that too on penalties. The excitement surrounding the departure of Pellegrini from the club and City confirming Guardiola as their new manager, reached another level when the Catalan was unveiled in front of Manchester City fans on July 3rd, 2016.
Sunderland themselves lost their manager to the Three Lion job, however, they acted quickly and brought in former Everton and Manchester United manager David Moyes to the Stadium of Light. Guardiola has added a lot of firepower to a squad which already overflowing with talent. Top names like Ilkay Gudogan, Nolito, Gabriel Jesus, and their most expensive buy in the transfer windows Leroy Sane have joined Pep. The club also announced this week that they had signed long-term target John Stones, a signing which will definitely add a lot of quality to that shaky City back-line. Here is the predicted Manchester City starting XI that Pep might opt for.
Goalkeeper: Joe Hart
After a shaky 2014-2015 season, Hart returned to his best last season. However the English international had a horrendous European Champions, which is why he will be itching to get back between the sticks to prove his doubters wrong and cement his place in the starting XI. He is well aware of the fact that Guardiola doesn’t appreciate players who do not put in their best efforts.
Defenders: John Stones, Otamendi, Gael Clichy and Zabaleta
The fact that Stones has had three full training session with the first team squad, should convince Guardiola of giving the English international his debut on Saturday. If Stones does start on Saturday, Guardiola will not be too keen to start a youngster like Tosin Adarabioyo as the former Everton players partner. Therefore Otamendi is likely to get a nod in central defence. Clichy is mostly likely to slot in at left back with Zabaleta in at right-back.
Midfielders: Nolito, Silva, Sterling, Fernandinho and Fabian Delph
The central midfield pairing will much easier to select given that Fernandinho and Delph both have had sufficient time game time this summer. Silva is most likely to come into the number 10 role, with Sterling on the right wing and Nolito on the left-wing. Sterling has been the target of much criticism this summer following his disappointing performance for the national team in the Euros. Next season will be a big season for the former Liverpool player.
Striker: Sergio Aguero
Sergio Aguero, who scored two of City’s three pre-season goals, should start as the lone striker for Manchester City against Sunderland.
Comments are closed.