Manchester City are a couple of days away from their Premier League curtain-raiser against Arsenal at Emirates Stadium on Sunday.
Pep Guardiola has used a plethora of players in preseason, from youth in the International Champions Cup; to an almost full strength side in the Community Shield.
With most or all of the World Cup stars rejuvenated and ready for the upcoming campaign, don’t expect to see any surprises in the Catalan’s first team of the new campaign.
Manchester City have avoided any preseason injuries – even Benjamin Mendy is fit – and look to have all available choices for a mouth-watering encounter with the Gunners.
And with new signing Riyad Mahrez anticipating his debut, Guardiola is going to have to think about the number of attackers he utilises. Raheem Sterling, Leroy Sane, Gabriel Jesus, Sergio Aguero and Bernardo Silva can all stake their claim to be in the eleven on Sunday, however Manchester City have to find some stability, as they did superbly last term.
Here is how I think Guardiola will set his team up versus Arsenal. This lineup is in a 4-1-4-1 formation.
Goalkeeper – Ederson
This is one of several no brainers for Pep Guardiola. Ederson was as consistent as ever in his maiden season at Etihad Stadium, and after recent transfers of Kepa to Chelsea and Alisson to Liverpool for a combined £139 million, suddenly the £35 million City paid for the Brazilian looks a bargain.
Hopefully the confident Ederson can continue in the same vein. His significance in the record-breaking season cannot be overlooked.
Left full back – Benjamin Mendy
Incredible. Benjamin Mendy managed to win the Premier League, Carabao Cup and World Cup last term without playing more than four matches.
His role last term was more social media based which, don’t get me wrong, maintained Manchester City’s joviality throughout the season.
If he starts against Arsenal it will be the first time Pep Guardiola can get a proper glimpse of the Frenchman in a competitive environment. Unfortunately for makeshift full back Fabian Delph, his stint in the lineup looks to have come to an end.
Right full back – Kyle Walker
Another straightforward decision. Kyle Walker’s pace and ability to thwart counter attacks is key, especially against the free-flowing speed of Arsenal and, namely, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
He was part of a centre half trio in the World Cup, and can now readjust to his more habitual full back position. Be sure to keep an eye on the former Tottenham man in Manchester City’s forward movements, especially when he links up with midfielders and wingers.
Centre half – Nicolas Otamendi
Vincent Kompany and Aymeric Laporte both look set to miss out. Otamendi was excellent last term, and his progress under Guardiola has been astounding.
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The Argentine might have had a World Cup to forget, however he can turn his attention back to the Premier League and combatting Arsenal’s dangerous-looking attack. His role should be completely defensive, and perhaps he can allow John Stones to be the centre half able to roam forward from deep.
Centre half – John Stones
One of City’s most impressive representatives at the World Cup, expect to see John Stones’ name in the lineup come Sunday.
His ball-playing abilities alongside a stalwart nature means Stones has the capability to spark counter attacks as well as completing his defensive duties effectively.
As you can find here, Stones could prove one of City’s most important players as the season wears on, and the games begin to come thick and fast.