Manchester City usually save their imperious groove for crunch time, but it appears that the 2023/24 iteration of the Cityzens have already stumbled upon its apex.
A Phil Foden-inspired 3-1 victory over Brentford on Monday night extended their winning run in all competitions to nine games, with City now in a commanding position towards the top of the Premier League table.
An unprecedented fourth-straight league title is in their sights, with Pep Guardiola soon having the start of the Champions League knockout stages to consider, too.
City take on Everton in the Premier League this weekend ahead of a trip to FC Copenhagen in midweek. Here’s the side Guardiola could pick for the Toffees’ visit.
GK: Ederson – There was no clean sheet for the Brazilian at Brentford, with Ederson producing a moment of madness or two. Still, there are no doubts about his status in the team.
RB: Kyle Walker – Walker returned to the team on Monday night and is expected to continue in the XI despite the recent off-field controversy that has surrounded the defender.
CB: Ruben Dias – Guardiola could save Dias for the away leg in Copenhagen, but the defender’s ability to defend set-pieces should mean he’s included against Everton.
CB: John Stones – Stones’ minutes have been carefully managed since he recently returned from another injury setback. He was an unused substitute on Monday night, so we should see him back in the side on Saturday.
LB: Nathan Ake – Guardiola will likely opt for the sturdier Ake over Josko Gvardiol given the threats Everton possess.
CM: Rodri – The Spaniard recently celebrated an entire year unbeaten and he’ll be aiming to continue that remarkable run this weekend.
CM: Matheus Nunes – The former Wolves midfielder impressed against Burnley on his previous start and is expected to come back into the team having not featured in west London.
RM: Phil Foden – The England international’s stellar season continued last time out as he netted his second Premier League hat-trick. Foden has been sensational in tight spaces operating between the lines and he’ll occupy a more central position after drifting in from the right.
AM: Kevin De Bruyne – The Belgian teed up Foden’s second on Monday and continues to appear as fresh as ever since returning from a lengthy injury layoff.
LM: Jack Grealish – Grealish impressed in the reverse fixture, but has only played a peripheral role since. Guardiola could opt for his ball retention and defensive diligence this weekend.
ST: Erling Haaland – Last season’s record-breaker hasn’t found the back of the net since returning from injury, but he still sits atop the Premier League scoring charts with Mohamed Salah (14 goals).
