It’s been business as usual for Manchester City at the start of the 2023/24 season.
Their quest for an unprecedented fourth-straight Premier League title has started with three consecutive wins. They’re the only side to maintain a 100% record in the division.
Up next for the Sky Blues is a home clash against Fulham, who may have done the Cityzens a favour last weekend when they took two points off Arsenal at the Emirates. The Cottagers, however, might be without star midfielder Joao Palhinha for Saturday’s game should the club sanction his move to Bayern Munich before the transfer deadline.
Anyway, as for City, Pep Guardiola and Juanma Lillo aren’t expected to make many changes from the side that beat Sheffield United last weekend. Here’s how they could line up.
GK: Ederson – Would’ve been bitterly disappointed not to have kept a clean sheet at Bramall Lane having barely been tested.
RB: Kyle Walker – It was his error that led to Sheffield United’s equaliser last weekend, but Walker has otherwise enjoyed a very strong start to the campaign after being linked with a move to Bayern in the summer.
CB: Ruben Dias – The imperious centre-half is a crucial figure at the heart of City’s defence.
CB: Nathan Ake – Ake impressed alongside Dias last weekend, with John Stones and Manuel Akanji’s absences likely to keep the Dutchman in the team.
LB: Josko Gvardiol – The big-money arrival from RB Leipzig looks at ease in Manchester. He’s started City’s previous two games and there’s no reason why he’ll be dropped for Saturday’s bout.
CM: Rodri – After delivering yet another clutch moment in Sheffield last Sunday, Rodri once again underlined his importance to this City side.
CM: Mateo Kovacic – The former Chelsea midfielder has looked in fine touch to open up 2023/24, with his role in the side allowing Rodri to venture forward more frequently compared to years past.
CM: Phil Foden – This is the one change Lillo could make to Saturday’s team. After starring against Newcastle, Foden was a surprise omission from the starting XI last weekend. He had an impact off the bench at Bramall Lane, and while Julian Alvarez hasn’t done anything to warrant being dropped, he’s the most likely candidate to make way should Foden come back in.
RW: Bernardo Silva – City came close to losing their diminutive genius in the summer, but a new contract will see Bernardo weave his way beyond hopeful tacklers for another three years in Manchester.
ST: Erling Haaland – It was a mightily frustrating outing for Haaland against the Blades, but he got his goal nonetheless, The Nordic machine scored a late winner from the penalty spot in the corresponding fixture last season.
LW: Jack Grealish – Grealish was excellent against Sheffield United and teed up Haaland’s opener. While competition has arrived in Jeremy Doku, who should get minutes on Saturday, the England international is expected to retain his place in the team.
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