Manchester City Predicted XI: We predict manager Pep Guardiola’s starting XI as City host Arsenal in a massive Premier League match

Manchester City Predicted XI: We predict manager Pep Guardiola’s starting XI as City host Arsenal in a massive Premier League match.

The 5:30pm kick-off would definitely be seen as the ‘game of the day’ by most neutral football fans, with the match set to be a mouth-watering encounter.

The start to the Premier League season has just been crazy, with so many goals being scored and some hugely unexpected results.

Guardiola’s men were rocked a few weeks back, losing 5-2 at home to Leicester City, which called for the Spaniard to dip into the transfer market and sign defender Ruben Dias for £64million from Benfica.

But with Liverpool losing heavily to Aston Villa, manager Pep will know this Premier League title is all to play for with many odd results to come.

This match-up also sees Guardiola go head-to-head with his old assistant Mikel Arteta, which always makes for an interesting tactical battle between two talented sides.

Here we predict Guardiola’s XI…

Goalkeeper:

Ederson: The first choice Brazilian will continue to keep his place between the sticks and Guardiola will be hoping his distribution will be key once again. The goalkeeper position is one of the only areas on the pitch where City do not have vast injuries problems.

Defenders:

All was looking well at City going into the Leicester game, having performed so well against Wolves in their opening Premier League game. However, the defensive performance against the Foxes was so bad, a big turnaround is needed for the Citizens from a defensive point of view. We expect Aymeric Laporte to retain his place alongside new signing Ruben Dias. Kyle Walker will remain at right back, with Benjamin Mendy deployed on the left.

Midfielders:

Emerging from David Silva’s shadow, England international Phil Foden is likely to be a key man for the Citizens this season. Foden has also had rest as he wasn’t called up for the latest England camp due to poor behaviour. He will start alongside Rodri and Fernandinho to play the holding positions with players such as Gundogan and Bernardo Silva not available for selection. Pep will also be missing his key man Kevin de Bruyne through injury, which is a bitter blow for his side.

Forwards:

Guardiola may have to take a risk on the fitness of star striker Sergio Aguero has he faces an injury crisis in the forward positions. Raheem Sterling is a definite starter with Riyad Mahrez likely to be deployed also. Pep will know that the Arsenal defence has struggled at the Etihad in recent seasons and will be hoping for goals.

Predicted XI: Ederson, Walker, Laporte, Dias, Mendy, Fernandinho, Rodri, Foden, Sterling, Mahrez, Aguero