Man City’s quest for an unprecedented fourth straight Premier League title begins on Friday night as they face the newly-promoted Burnley at Turf Moor.
Pep Guardiola’s side wrote themselves into the history books two months ago when they beat Inter in the Champions League final to claim a historic treble. After such a staggering season, some might wonder what’s left for Guardiola’s supreme outfit to achieve, but City have the chance to make more history in 2023/24.
No English side has ever won four straight league titles. That’s what their gunning for.
Their campaign begins against a familiar face in Vincent Kompany, and here’s the starting XI Guardiola could pick for the contest.
GK: Ederson – The Brazilian didn’t take part in last Sunday’s Community Shield, but he’ll come back in for the start of City’s Premier League campaign.
RB: Manuel Akanji – Comfortable across Guardiola’s back four, Akanji was used at left-back last time out, but he could shift over to the right on Friday. He excelled at right-back down the stretch last season.
CB: John Stones – A supreme performer. Stones is one of the first names on the team sheet and it’ll be interesting to see just how complex his role will be at the start of the new season.
CB: Ruben Dias – One of the very best box defenders around, Dias’ place in the team shouldn’t be under threat, but City have just splashed out huge money to acquire left-footed defender Josko Gvardiol.
LB: Nathan Ake – Gvardiol is a contender for the left-back spot in Pep’s strongest XI, but Ake’s entering the new campaign off the back of a career season at City. The Cityzens were at their best when the Dutchman was dominating the left flank.
CM: Rodri – City’s Champions League final hero is obviously pivotal to Guardiola, and he’s a sure bet to miraculously avoid a booking at Turf Moor.
CM: Mateo Kovacic – The Croatian isn’t an Ilkay Gundogan replacement as such, but he’s poised to take the German’s place in City’s midfield. Kovacic impressed last Sunday, and he’s bound to add another element to the Cityzens’ stellar build-up play.
CM: Kevin De Bruyne – The Belgian missed much of pre-season due to the hamstring injury he sustained in the Champions League final. However, De Bruyne earned minutes in the Community Shield and should be close to full fitness ahead of Friday’s curtain-raiser. Phil Foden could also start in midfield.
RW: Bernardo Silva – Cole Palmer’s trending upwards and the young Englishman could earn plenty of minutes this season if City don’t sign a replacement for Riyad Mahrez. However, Palmer, despite his stunning strike against Arsenal, is unlikely to usurp Bernardo in the XI.
ST: Erling Haaland – There’s no time to waste for Haaland if he’s to exceed his record-breaking debut campaign. He’ll want to be among the goals right away against the newly-promoted Clarets.
LW: Jack Grealish – As heavy as the session appeared, Grealish’s Ibiza hangover surely won’t be lingering come the start of the new season. He’ll be looking to build off an excellent 2022/23 campaign.
READ THE LATEST MAN CITY NEWS, TRANSFER RUMOURS & GOSSIP
Read More: World News | Entertainment News | Celeb News
