Manchester City Fantasy Eleven For Opening Day Against West Brom

As the Summer Transfer Window heats up, Manchester City will look to be one of the busier clubs in Europe.  City has targeted several of the biggest names in the market for a new club and will not be afraid to spend in order to improve the squad.  With one goal in mind for the near future, UEFA Champions League glory, the club will be willing to do whatever it takes to bolster the squad for the upcoming season.  As Opening Day draws closer, here is what the dream lineup would look like for the Citizens against West Brom.

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Goalkeeper: Joe Hart

In previous seasons, some had questioned Joe Hart’s ability to become a fixture in net for City.  However, recent seasons have seen the England International emerge as one of the most reliable at the position. Coming off a season that saw Hart win the Golden Glove for the Barclays Premier League’s best keeper, City will be confident with Hart between the sticks at the Etihad.

Right Wing Back: Pablo Zabaleta

One of the hardest workers in the Premier League, every club needs a player like Pablo Zabaleta.  The player maintains his defensive responsibilities and delivers dangerous crosses in the attack.  Often overlooked and undervalued, Zabaleta is a key piece to City’s squad.

Center Back: Vincent Kompany

In a perfect world, Vincent Kompany will return to the form that saw him become one of the most consistent center backs in football.  Last season, Kompany was poor when he was on the pitch and injured for most of the campaign.  Hopefully last season was not a sign of things to come.  If he continues to struggle, Martin Demichelis is more than capable of taking his place.

Center Back: Eliaquim Mangala

The future of City at the position, Eliaquim Mangala showed signs of improvement last season.  After a slow start, his partnership with Demichelis looked formidable.  The pairing ended the season with six consecutive wins and only gave up four goals in the process.

Left Wing Back: Aleksandre Kolarov

The hardest position to call, Aleksandre Kolarov showed flashes toward the end of last season.  He adds a different dynamic on the flanks and his delivery on set-plays is incredibly difficult to defend.  The player also possesses the ability to score incredible goals from free kicks.

Right Midfield: Raheem Sterling

It seems like this process will never end, but Raheem Sterling would slot in nicely for City.  The current Liverpool player appears set to move to the Etihad and would fit nicely on the right side of midfield for the Citizens.  Some think is is better as a wing, but he struggles defensively and his skills are best utilized in the attacking third of the pitch.

Center Midfield: Yaya Toure

A fixture in the midfield, Yaya Toure will always have a place for City.  The Ivory Coast International has so much value for the club and City struggles to win games without him in the lineup.  His experience will be vital for some of the new additions to the squad.

Center Midfield: Fernandinho

It is fun to pick a squad full of attackers, but someone needs to maintain the holding midfield role. Fernandinho provides the cover in the midfield when the rest of the squad bombs forward into the attack for City.  It’s not a fun job, but someones gotta do it.

Left Midfield: Paul Pogba

This high-profile target would look nice in the sky blue of Manchester City.  ESPN FC reports that City are leading the £60 million race to sign the player from Juventus.  A hefty fee could be well worth it, if Paul Pogba continues to emerge as one of the best footballers on the planet.

Second Striker: Kevin De Bruyne

Another player that has attracted the interest of Europe’s biggest clubs, Kevin De Bruyne took advantage of his time in the Bundesliga, earning the Player of the Year award in Germany last season. De Bruyne scored 10 goals and added 20 assists last season.  Imagine what he could do with Sergio Aguero in front of him.

Striker: Sergio Aguero

Easy choice for this spot.  Sergio Aguero earned the Golden Boot last season and has improved every year since his arrival from Atletico Madrid.  If he continues his rise, he could be a legitimate contender for the Ballon d’ Or next season.