The ‘Pep Guardiola era’ is officially underway at Manchester City. Having proven his managerial credentials in Spain and Germany, it will be intriguing to see how he performs in the premier league.
Two games and two wins into his tenure, Guardiola seems to be making all the right moves already. However, it is bound to take him some time before he settles on his first choice 11.
What makes this process even more difficult is the addition of the likes of Ilkay Gundogan, Leroy Sane and Nolito among others, to the already existing wealth of talent at City. Tactically speaking, one can expect Guardiola to prefer a 4-1-4-1 formation; using a defensive midfielder in front of the back four; allowing his creative players to wreak havoc.
Here’s a look at how Guardiola’s men could line up for the remaining games of the season.
Goalkeeper
This is the first time in recent seasons that the goalkeeping spot is up for grabs at City. Up until last season, Joe Hart would have walked into the starting lineup to take his place between the sticks for City. However, a string of underwhelming performances for club and country, have left Hart with a place on the bench.
Willy Caballero; Hart’s replacement, is not certain of retaining his place with Claudio Bravo being thought of as a replacement.
Defenders
Left Back: Aleksander Kolarov
The Serbian international seems like a genuine contender for the left back spot; given his willingness to move forward. And despite being played as a center back against Sunderland last weekend, one can expect Kolarov to return to his natural position for games to come, just as he did against Steaua Bucuresti in midweek.
Center Back: John Stones
City ended one of the sagas of the summer, by signing Stones. And as expected, Stones has made his way straight into the playing 11, starting both of City’s games so far, this season.
The former Everton man is known for his game reading and his ball playing ability though he can be caught out of position, occasionally; as was the case when Sunderland equalized against City last weekend. That aside, Stones will most likely be the one to lead City’s defense as they look to build from the back under Guardiola.
Center Back: Nicolas Otamendi
Otamendi was chosen to partner Stones during their Champions League qualifier in midweek.
Otamendi had done well to form a formidable partnership with Eliaquim Mangala in the absence of Vincent Kompany last season. Given that he is not the fastest center back in the league, he will have to rely on his game reading and positioning to cement his place in the City back four this season.
As good as a partnership that Stones and Otamendi may form at the back for City, one could expect Otamendi to make way for Kompany, once the City skipper returns to full fitness.
Right Back: Pablo Zabaleta
The Argentine veteran is another of those who started for City in midweek. And true to his nature, he put in another hard-working shift for City.
More often than not, Zabaleta manages to balance his attacking instincts with his defensive responsibilities with admirable ease, something that should make him one of the first names on Guardiola’s team sheet this season.
Midfielders
Defensive Midfield: Fernandinho/Ilkay Gundogan
In the two games so far, Fernandinho has been tasked with sitting in front of the back four and helping out the defense; whilst also linking the defense to midfield.
And although the Brazilian has given a good account of himself so far, he can expect stiff competition for his place from summer signing Gundogan; once the German returns to full fitness.
Central Midfield: David Silva
Silva has been one of City’s best players in recent seasons and Guardiola would rely on his compatriot to be the creator in chief this season. Known for his passing and goal scoring abilities, one can expect Silva to be at the heart of all good things; as was the case in midweek.
And if that performance was anything to go by, Silva will be just as instrumental for City this season, as he has been in the past.
Central Midfield: Kevin De Bruyne
Arguably City’s main man from last season, De Bruyne has been a revelation of sorts going from strength to strength since his return to the Premier League. And if his performances with Belgium during Euro 2016 are anything to go by; things are only going to get better for the former Chelsea man.
Forwards
Left Wing: Nolito
Another one of City’s summer signings, Guardiola will hope that the Spaniard can continue his current form. Nolito was in the thick of things for City in midweek, as he scored one goal and helped Aguero to another. And though he can play as a striker as well; Guardiola will continue to play him on the left wing, where he has had an instant impact.
Right Wing: Raheem Sterling/ Leroy Sane
Sterling may not have performed to his full potential at City, as yet. However, things have certainly begun on the right note for him under Guardiola. Not only has he featured in both of City’s games so far, he has also won City two penalties in two games.
What’s more? Guardiola has handpicked Sterling as one of the players he wants to develop during his tenure at City. But if Sterling fails to live up to Guardiola’s expectations in games to come, he may find his place in the starting line-up taken by Sane, who will a natural replacement for the Englishman; once he’s back to full fitness.
Forwards: Sergio Aguero
Fresh off signing a new contract with City during the summer, Sergio Aguero will once again be City’s top marksman in the upcoming campaign. And the Argentine has started the campaign in typical fashion scoring 4 goals in two games; including a hat-trick in midweek. And City will hope for more of the same in games to come.
