Manchester Derby: Manchester City’s strongest XI 

Forwards

Jesus could start ahead of Aguero

Gabriel Jesus started and scored a hattrick in the Champions League fixture against Shakhtar Donetsk yesterday. The Brazilian has been previously used astutely by Guardiola against United. In the first derby of last season, Jesus dropped back to the midfield and overload Matic thus outnumbering United in the midfield.

If this doesn’t work out, then City obviously have the services of Sergio Aguero who is a lethal goal-scorer and possesses the ability to score during important occasions. In this case, City have a good number of options in the attacking department. Maybe, Jesus could start yet again but Aguero could be brought on as an impact substitute if City are chasing the game.

Raheem Sterling and Riyad Mahrez will play on either side of Jesus. Mahrez has scored four goals in 10 Premier League appearances this season and has been a quality addition to the squad. The Algerian’s slick dribbling skills and play-making abilities are used to perfection by Guardiola who has extracted the best out of the players available for him in the squad.

Meanwhile, Sterling has been in sublime form too and it could be a tossup between him and Sane for the left-wing position. The Englishman is a better dribbler and prefers cutting in from the wing. Ashley Young, who is also Sterling’s international teammate, will be up for a difficult task in containing the former Liverpool star.