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Manchester City’s predicted XI for the UCL final against Chelsea

By Nikhil Venkat Sai

PORTO, PORTUGAL - 27 MAY : A general view of of an inflatable Champions League Trophy on display in Liberdade Square, Porto ahead of the UEFA Champions League Final between Manchester City and Chelsea at Estadio do Dragao on May 26, 2021 in Porto, Portugal. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
PORTO, PORTUGAL - 27 MAY : A general view of of an inflatable Champions League Trophy on display in Liberdade Square, Porto ahead of the UEFA Champions League Final between Manchester City and Chelsea at Estadio do Dragao on May 26, 2021 in Porto, Portugal. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images) /
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MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – MAY 23: Kevin De Bruyne of Manchester City celebrates after scoring his team’s first goal during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Everton at Etihad Stadium on May 23, 2021 in Manchester, England. A limited number of fans will be allowed into Premier League stadiums as Coronavirus restrictions begin to ease in the UK. (Photo by Dave Thompson – Pool/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – MAY 23: Kevin De Bruyne of Manchester City celebrates after scoring his team’s first goal during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Everton at Etihad Stadium on May 23, 2021 in Manchester, England. A limited number of fans will be allowed into Premier League stadiums as Coronavirus restrictions begin to ease in the UK. (Photo by Dave Thompson – Pool/Getty Images) /

Left-Striker: Phil Foden

The 20-year-old has been the find of the season for Manchester City. Foden, also known as the ‘Stockport Iniesta’ has done really well to live up to the tagline. The 20-year-old has dazzled this season with his remarkable maturity and calmness on the pitch. With not much experience by his side, Foden really opened up the PSG defense and is a very lethal goal-scorer inside the box.

The 20-year-old never would’ve thought at the start of the season that his side would get to the UEFA Champions League final and that he would most likely start in it. With 9 goals 5 assists this season, Foden is enjoying his best season thus far at Manchester City. The England international has also scored thrice in the UCL this season. Foden has done really well to take Raheem Sterling’s place in the XI and is an expected starter for the final.

Central Attacking Midfield: Kevin De Bruyne

Kevin De Bruyne and Sergio Aguero have been the face of Manchester City in the recent past. The Belgian is one of the best midfielders in Europe, if not the best. Having said that, the 29-year-old has got 6 goals and 12 assists to his name in the Premier League this season. Though the midfielder’s campaign has been interrupted by injuries, De Bruyne has done well to bounce back.

Pep has taken advantage of De Bruyne’s long-shot ability and has employed him in the false 9 position several times this season. With his passing and shooting, De Bruyne is a very deadly opponent and even an inch of space could fall right into his ploy.

De Bruyne has been one of the undisputed starters in every Manchester City game.

Right Striker: Riyad Mahrez

Like Gundogan, Mahrez is currently in some fabulous of his life and has arguably been the best City player this season. Mahrez scored in each of the legs against PSG and is currently in red-hot form.

The 30-year-old has shown that he is a big match player and it will be a blunder if Mahrez is not on the pitch when the opening whistle is blown. With 9 goals and 6 assists in the Premier League, Mahrez has replicated his scoring touch in the UCL campaign as well, scoring four massive goals.