How will Manchester City line up against Arsenal?

MIAMI, FL - JULY 28: Manchester City starting lineup pose for a photo prior to their match against Bayern Munich during the International Champions Cup at Hard Rock Stadium on July 28, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL - JULY 28: Manchester City starting lineup pose for a photo prior to their match against Bayern Munich during the International Champions Cup at Hard Rock Stadium on July 28, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 05: Sergio Aguero of Manchester City celebrates scoring his side’s first goal during the FA Community Shield between Manchester City and Chelsea at Wembley Stadium on August 5, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 05: Sergio Aguero of Manchester City celebrates scoring his side’s first goal during the FA Community Shield between Manchester City and Chelsea at Wembley Stadium on August 5, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) /

Centre defensive midfield – Fernandinho

Links to Marco Verratti, Thiago Alcantara and Jorginho meant Fernandinho’s spot in the team was initially jeopardised.

None of those transfers came through, however, meaning the Brazilian is likely to start in defensive midfield for much of the campaign.

He is ageing, and at 33 has only a couple of years left at the very top level. Hopefully he can keep the Manchester City engine ticking as well as we know he can for this season at least.

Left midfield – Leroy Sane

Whether Leroy Sane was chuckling quietly to himself as Germany crashed and burned in the World Cup, is something to ponder over.

He should have been in the starting eleven, let alone the squad, but that disappointment has evaporated and the Premier League is calling.

Sane might not have had the game time his teammates have accumulated over the hiatus, however he looked fresh and vibrant on the American tour and should be eager to cause chaos for the Arsenal rearguard from the outset.

Right midfield – Riyad Mahrez

This was certainly a difficult toss-up between Raheem Sterling and Riyad Mahrez. But with the speed of Leroy Sane on the other flank, I think Pep Guardiola will hand Mahrez his debut.

The Algerian only produced flashes in preseason, however he has wreaked havoc against top clubs before, and Guardiola will keep in mind his title-winning experience and deploy him against Arsenal.

Sterling, though, has been playing in the World Cup for much of the summer and that could be something Guardiola considers.

Centre midfield – David Silva

Another easy choice for Pep Guardiola. David Silva and Spain might have suffered a premature exit from the World Cup, but the Spaniard’s guile and mastery in creating attacks is still at its zenith.

Silva, too, is ageing and turned 32 this year. But is he is the surefire selection and has made this position his own.

Centre midfield – Kevin de Bruyne

FanSided’s Premier League Player of the Season last term will have to break an arm in order to stop him being in the starting eleven on Sunday.

He wasn’t as effective for Belgium in the World Cup, but is always magnificent for Manchester City. Expect no less on Sunday, though it might take him a few matches to get his incredible passing range sharp.

Striker – Sergio Aguero

Despite Gabriel Jesus signing a new contract under a week ago, Aguero should be the man to lead the line for Manchester City in north London.

He clocked up his 200th goal in a sky blue shirt in the Community Shield, and that performance alone was enough to suggest he is fully fit and ready to forge another impressive goalscoring campaign.

Next. Three things we learned from preseason. dark

Do you think someone else will sneak into the team over this eleven?