How will Manchester City line up against Huddersfield?

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LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 12: Raheem Sterling and Bernardo Silva of Manchester City react following the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Manchester City at Emirates Stadium on August 12, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) /

Centre midfield – Fernandinho

Same job for the Brazilian here. His age means fitness might be difficult to maintain throughout the season, but right now Guardiola can use Fernandinho as a vital screen to the back four.

When the Champions League matches begin, expect to see some rotation in the defensive midfield position.

Centre midfield – Bernardo Silva

Bernardo Silva was one of Manchester City’s fringe players last term, but at the moment he is the first name on the team sheet.

Arguably man of the match against Arsenal, Silva is unleashing his talent in an unconventional centre midfield role, compared to his wider position in his maiden Manchester City season.

It is working a treat thus far, and though Guardiola might feel inclined to place David Silva straight back into the eleven after his extended break, Bernardo Silva simply cannot be replaced.

Centre midfield – Ilkay Gundogan

Kevin de Bruyne’s frustrating injury means Ilkay Gundogan should get another 90 minutes against Huddersfield.

De Bruyne was likely to start against the Terriers, however he could be set for a stint on the sidelines for up to three months.

Left wing – Raheem Sterling

England international Sterling should keep the frustrated Leroy Sane out of the team, after being the man to get the ball rolling against Arsenal last weekend.

Sterling was one of Manchester City’s stand-out performers in their opener, not least because of his goal, and a prosperous partnership with Benjamin Mendy can continue to flourish versus Huddersfield.

It makes life difficult for Sane, who seems to be getting no joy having just recovered from his heavy World Cup setback, but it would be unfair of Guardiola to drop Raheem Sterling after an influential display in north London.

Right wing – Riyad Mahrez

With Bernardo Silva being deployed as a centre midfielder in the early parts of the campaign, Riyad Mahrez has been given free reign on the right hand side as his career in Manchester looks to take off.

He had a couple of chances on his Premier League debut for the Sky Blues – perhaps opportunities he should have finished off – however the initial signs suggest Mahrez slots right into Guardiola’s team.

Expect the Catalan to utilise Mahrez once again, as his minutes in a City shirt clock up.

Striker – Sergio Aguero

The Argentine’s dreadful miss, where he clearly should have teed up Kevin de Bruyne, might have given Guardiola something to ponder.

But with 200 Manchester City goals, Aguero is Mr. Reliable and has the potential to terrorise a deep-lying Huddersfield defence.

His instinct has served him incredibly well, and with a whole week’s rest there is no reason he shouldn’t start again.

Next. City will breeze past Huddersfield at the Etihad. dark

Will Guardiola make any other changes to the team from last weekend?