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Likely Manchester City Line Up To Face Manchester United In The International Champions Cup

Manchester City will take on their arch-rival Manchester United on 25th in the International Champions Cup in Beijing’s famous National Stadium. This will be City’s second preseason game, following a 1-0 defeat against Pep Guardiola’s former club Bayern Munich. This will be the first time that either of the two managers takes part in a Manchester Derby, which for the first time is being held outside England. With some players just returning back to training after their involvement in Euro 2016 and the Copa America and some still away on holiday, both the managers will have a depleted squad to choose from.

Both the teams have made significant additions to their squad this summer, following a disappointing domestic campaign last season. United who will be without Champions League football next term will be focused solely on challenging for the title, while City will work hard to go the full distance in Europe now that Guardiola is in charge. Neither of the two managers will like to lose to one another given the turbulent past they share together during their time in Spain. City will be missing some of their stars like Silva, Aguero and Kevin De Bruyne who have just returned for pre-season training. Let’s look at the Starting XI that Guardiola might start with on Monday.

Goalkeeper: Joe Hart

Joe Hart missed the match against Bayern Munich but is likely to feature between the sticks on Monday. He had a horrible Euro 2016 committing two mistakes leading to goals. He will be eager to get on the pitch and show Guardiola he still has the ability to be City’s number one keeper.

Defenders: Maffeo, Denayer, Adarabioyo and Clichy

Maffeo is a very talented youngster, who gained valuable experience last season during his loan spell at Girona in Spain. He has been one of the star players in the City’s academy and will be looking to break into the first team this season. Adarabioyo will partner Humphreys in central defence. Both these players featured against Chelsea last season in an FA Cup encounter, Adarabioyo was particularly impressive in that match and should keep his place in the team, until the other senior defenders return. Clichy will slot in as the left-back, ahead of youngster Angelino.

Midfielders: Fernando, Navas, Fernandinho, Toure and Sterling

Pep Guardiola will be tempted to go with an experienced midfield against his city rivals. Fernandinho captained the side against Bayern Munich and should continue in central midfield alongside fellow countrymen Fernando. Toure will be vying for a starting spot on Monday, after an impressive second half display against the German club. It will be interesting to see how Guardiola uses the Ivorian, given the dip in his form over the past few months. Navas will be looking to cement his place in the starting XI after a fairly quiet last season. The Spanish midfielder will slot in at right wing, while Sterling will start from the opposite wing. The English winger will have a lot to prove after a hugely disappointing during England campaign in France.

Striker: Wilfried Bony

Iheanacho started the game against Bayern Munich but is likely to miss this game due to some visa troubles. His place will be taken by Bony, who came on as the substitute against the Bavarian club. However if Aguero is fully fit, there is very little chance that Bony will out jump him in the pecking order.

 

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