This is the Manchester City XI that can catch Premier League leaders Chelsea

Aleksandar Kolarov

The left-back slot does appear to be a problem area for Guardiola, with both Aleksandar Kolarov and Gael Clichy having not been totally convincing this season.

However, including Serbian international gives the City boss the option of changing his system mid-game, as Kolarov is just as adept, if not better, as part of a back three.

Guardiola clearly rates the 31-year-old, given that he’s played the joint-most amount of games for the club this season alongside Raheem Sterling, and his dead-ball ability and wand of a left foot will always give City something extra in the final third.

Kolarov likes to get forward and get crosses in, and when he’s in good form, those crosses more often than not lead to goal-scoring opportunities.