West Ham vs. Man City: Predicted Line-up for Premier League return

Manchester City's Spanish manager Pep Guardiola celebrates with the Premier league trophy on the pitch after the English Premier League football match between Manchester City and Aston Villa at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, north west England, on May 22, 2022. - Manchester City won the Premier League for the fourth time in five seasons after a pulsating title race reached a dramatic conclusion as the champions staged an incredible comeback from two goals down to beat Aston Villa 3-2 on Sunday. - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images) /

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LEICESTER, ENGLAND – JULY 30: Joao Cancelo of Manchester City reacts after Liverpool’s victory after The FA Community Shield between Manchester City and Liverpool FC at The King Power Stadium on July 30, 2022 in Leicester, England. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images) /

Our new number 7 seems to be the most obvious choice at left-back with Manchester City seemingly light in that area within the squad.

Traditionally a right-back, Cancelo is versatile enough to be effective almost anywhere on the pitch. Some credit him for his creative ability and criticise for his seemingly lack of defensive ability in comparison to some of our other options.

Cancelo can often be caught out of position, which leaves the backline vulnerable when he is pushed up the pitch to explore his creativity. Without the pace of Walker, this means that he can be exposed at times.

Last season he made an incredible 36 Premier League appearances with 27 wins and just 3 losses. During this time, he contributed to 19 clean sheets, conceding 25 goals.

Cancelo was praised during the earlier part of the season, bagging himself a goal and 7 assists. Contrary to popular belief, his stats would argue a case for his defensive skill with 217 recoveries.