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With Manchester City's preseason campaign well underway, the only concern Pep Guardiola will have is the paucity of first-team strikers. Gabriel Jesus and Sergio Aguero will join the Cityzens' camp later due to their participation in the Copa America. Riyad Mahrez will be the last forward to report for club duties after helping Algeria to Africa Cup of Nations victory on July 20.
Despite the aforementioned players being absent for the Sky Blues, Raheem Sterling and Bernardo Silva are expected to spearhead the reigning champions' the attack. City's current crisis is short-lived as Jesus and Aguero will be available before their season kicks off against West Ham.
Pep will have to use his tactical nous to establish a system that suits his current clutch of attackers. The Catalan manager has used a 4-3-3 system for a major part of his time at the Etihad and is set to continue with that approach next season as well.
With City's 2019/20 campaign in hindsight, here's the attacking troika that could feature prominently for the Sky Blues.
Also read: Manchester City's ideal midfield for the upcoming campaign
LW: Raheem Sterling
Under Pep Guardiola's tutelage, Raheem Sterling has undergone a drastic transformation, changing his profile from a tricky winger to a prolific wide forward. The former Liverpool attacker is considered one of the best forwards in contemporary football.
In the past three seasons, the 24-year-old has racked up 58 goals and 55 assists for Manchester City. Given Sterling's age and desire to improve, the numbers are set to observe further improvement.
Sterling will have an added responsibility to helm City's attack in the absence of Sergio Aguero and Gabriel Jesus, who might struggle to achieve match fitness in time for the opening game of the season. The 24-year-old missed a penalty in City's last friendly against Wolves, but Pep will be hoping that Raheem finds his scoring touch before the season commences.
RW: Bernardo Silva
Bernardo Silva has established himself as one of the most important players in the current City side. The Portugal international stepped up in Kevin De Bruyne's absence for a major part of last season, registering 13 goals and assisted further 14. In spite of his prolific returns, Silva's work-rate and industry garnered most recognition, from supporters and Guardiola himself.
During De Bruyne's injury, Bernardo played in a midfield three, a much deeper position than his usual wide-forward role. The 24-year-old's most notable performance came against Liverpool, where he managed to cover a distance of 13.7 km - the most in a single game last season. Silva's fascinating concoction of attacking guile and industry made him one of the hardest players to play against.
A fit-again Kevin De Bruyne is set to regain his spot in a midfield-three, pushing Bernardo Silva to the right-wing spot. Leroy Sane's uncertain future coupled with the unavailability of Riyad Mahrez in the early stages almost confirms the Portuguese attacker's role next season, at least initially.
ST: Sergio Aguero
Sergio Aguero has already achieved legendary status at Manchester City and even after eight seasons at the club, the Argentine hitman hasn't shown signs of slowing down. The 31-year-old scored 21 times in the league last campaign, missing the Golden Boot by a slender margin of one goal.
The Argentinian played a huge role in Man City's second successive Premier League triumph, as his goals against Burnley and Liverpool proved to be crucial in a race which the latter side lost by a whisker. Aguero hasn't reported for Cityzens' pre-season tour due to his extended season owing to La Alibiceleste's Copa America participation.
Raheem Sterling is set to deputize in the number nine position for the first few games in Aguero's absence. Gabriel Jesus' attempts at securing a first-team spot and lead the City strikeforce took a hit last season, courtesy of a host of inconsistent displays. This could compel Guardiola to confine him to a supporting role for a while.
