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Manchester predicted XI vs. Everton

By Athan Tsokolas

BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 12: Kyle Walker of Manchester City shows appreciation to the fans after the Premier League match between Brighton and Hove Albion and Manchester City at the Amex Stadium on August 12, 2017 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 12: Kyle Walker of Manchester City shows appreciation to the fans after the Premier League match between Brighton and Hove Albion and Manchester City at the Amex Stadium on August 12, 2017 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images) /
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This upcoming match against Everton is a good barometer to see where City are at early in the season. They have reloaded their squad and should provide a tougher challenge to the top 6 than last year. I think City will line up in the 3-5-2 formation again due to the defensive stability it will provide against a better attacking team like Everton.

Goalkeeper- Ederson

He gets the start again. Going against Everton he should see more shots than he did against Brighton. He’s still ahead of Bravo and a good showing this game can go a long way to securing his position as a number one.

Right Wingback- Kyle Walker

After his fantastic match against Brighton, he gets the start again. You really have to wonder how good Trippier and Kyle Walker-Peters is if they are so much better than Kyle Walker, as Spurs fans would want you to believe.

Right Center-back- Vincent Kompany

The captain gets the start again. He looked solid in the last match and should provide the defensive presence needed for the backline. Expect him to be getting rest soon to stay healthy but for now, he remains in the lineup.

Middle Center-back- John Stones

I like Stones as the middle center-back in this system. He can distribute the ball and break lines from this position. While he had some nervous moments last match he will continue to learn and progress with more game time.

Left Center-back- Nicolas Otamendi

While I doubt his ability on the ball in the long run, for now, he’s the best option there. He’s not an ideal Pep center-back but he does enough defensively to warrant a place in the starting eleven.

Left Wing-back- Danilo

While Mendy is training with the team he isn’t fully fit. Danilo can do a job and while he is better on the right he was bought to play both sides. Until Mendy is fully fit Danilo is the best option here because of his defensive capabilities.

Defensive Midfielder- Fernandinho

I was debating putting Gundogan here because I believe in the best eleven he plays as the defensive mid. For me, it’s too soon for him to be inserted to the starting eleven. While Fernandinho didn’t have a good game against Brighton he will be more useful than Yaya against Everton’s counter attacks.

Right Attacking Midfielder- Kevin De Bruyne

Kevin gets the start again. He is the key midfielder to unlock defense. His ability to make difficult passes is above anyone else in the Premier League.

Left Attacking Midfielder- David Silva

I don’t think David Silva was good in the last game and while I expect Bernardo Silva to push David, he gets the start again.  David is still a key member of this team and against Everton, who shouldn’t be as defensive as Brighton, he should have a better game.

Right Striker- Raheem Sterling

I love Raheem as a striker in a front two. His pace and movement might be the best on the team for this system. Pep mentioned that Raheem played well in the preseason and his pace will be a key factor in this system. Raheem can drop back, receive the ball, and attack defenders one on one better than the other attacking options City have.

Left Striker- Gabriel Jesus

I don’t know whether to put Aguero or Jesus here, but that is a good problem to have. Pep’s teams are really difficult to predict and the strikers might be the most difficult. I put Jesus here because Raheem will be better dropping deep and receiving while Jesus will make more runs behind than Aguero. Jesus is better at tracking back when the other team goes on the counter.

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