Manchester City will be looking to get the ball rolling from the start this season with no major injury concerns for them other than Vincent Kompany, their skipper. After a rather underwhelming season performance-wise, the appointment of Pep Guardiola has got the Etihad buzzing. City have been relatively low key in the transfer market this summer having signed Ilkay Gundogan early on and Spanish attacker Nolito after La Roja’s exit from the Euros. They seem to be content on the attacking front and reports indicate Pep is looking to add youngster Leroy Sane from Schalke FC as his final offensive target.
But their main issues lie in central defence and according to reports, City are looking to wrap up deals for John Stones from Everton. New full-backs were expected to arrive by now, but City have not been extensively linked with any player in this regard.
We look at the ideal City Line-up which will play the majority of next season:
PREDICTED FORMATION: 4-2-3-1
JOE HART (GK): The England International has come in for heavy criticism for his error-strewn performance at the Euros and his ball-distribution under pressure has led to City being linked with a host of Goalkeepers. But Hart will look to fight back and retain his place in the team.
BACARY SAGNA (RB): Though City have been linked with Bellerin, Arsenal will loathe losing one of their most promising youngsters and it might well be that Sagna lines up at right-back for the majority of the campaign after coming back from an extended break due to his Euro exertions.
JOHN STONES (CB): The Evertonian is hell-bent on a move to City and is expected to become the costliest British player ever. With uncertainty over the centre-back spots, he will slot into the right side of the defence till Kompany is able to prove his fitness to the new manager.
VINCENT KOMPANY (CB): While City will be linked with defenders till the time the transfer window shuts, Kompany will be eager to prove his fitness to the new manager and will look to reclaim his starting position in the team.
GAEL CLICHY (LB): The left-back spot has been taken over by Clichy last year and he will look to put in impressive performances so as to cement his spot in the team. His defensive solidity has been a crucial factor in his selection but with Pep asking a lot of his full-backs, he will need to up his game.
FERNANDINHO (CDM): The Brazilian has been a consistent performer for City over the past couple of seasons and will look to cement his spot in the team
GUNDOGAN (CDM): The German midfielder will slot gradually into the team after recovering from his injury and is expected to play a huge part in how City’s fortune shapes up.
NOLITO (LAM): The speedy Spanish attacker will hope to start ahead of the likes of Raheem Sterling and Samir Nasri and endear himself to the demanding City fans.
DAVID SILVA (CAM): The Merlin will hope to get back to his old self under the management of Pep Guardiola and will look to remain injury-free this season.
KEVIN DE BRUYNE (RAM): The Belgian might need a few more days to get match-fit and there is a chance Pep will look to utilise some of the available players in that position to have a look at them. But City fans will want the Belgian to come back refreshed and link-up with Silva and Aguero on a more regular basis.
SERGIO AGUERO (ST): The Argentine will play a crucial role in City’s fortunes this season (as always). Pep will hope he manages to stay clear of the injury room, because a fully fit Kun is capable of pulling City clear of all the other teams.
