The Guardiola era at Man City started well as the former Barcelona boss watch his side run out 2-1 winners over David Moyes’ Sunderland side, although the Spaniard admitted his debut was tougher that expected.
Having passes his Premier League test, Guardiola now returns to something more familiar in the Champions League, however, this is the first time he has had to face the play-off round.
The Sky Blues are in Romania as they prepare to face Steaua Bucharest in the first-leg of their play-off as they pursue a spot in the group stage.
The Champions League will be the main target for the powers that be at the Etihad during the former Bayern manager’s reign, so he will need a good start.
The opening weekend of the Premier League saw the Citizens employ a tactical setup not seen in English football before as the two full-backs were asked to push up into a defensive midfield role.
Our Landlord reckons that a similar setup will be employed and with that in mind, here is how he reckons they will line up…
GK: Willy Caballero
It seems as if Joe Hart’s time as Man City’s number one choice has come to an end. Caballero was picked ahead of the England international for the game against Sunderland on Saturday and will more than likely keep his place as Guardiola plans for a future without Hart.
CB: John Stones
The stellar summer signing needs to adapt to the Man City setup and he needs to do it quickly, the only way that can be achieved is with time on the pitch.
The former Everton man was at fault for Jermaine Defoe’s equaliser at the Etihad and will want to prove to his new boss and peers that he was worth the huge money paid for him.
CB: Fernandinho
The defensive midfielder was asked to drop into that back line on Saturday whilst the full-backs moved forward, and just like John Stones will need to adapt quickly.
Guardiola was encouraged by the Brazilian’s ability with the ball at his feet, a trait he demands within his defensive ranks, which could see him the go to man in this role.
CB: Oluwatosin Adarabioyo
Guardiola is in the midst of a defensive re-evaluation and will want to give all the youngsters a chance to show him what they have got.
Given that the Spaniard has such a potent attacking force at his disposal this could be the fixture to take a risk at the back and hand the 18-year-old his chance.
CDM: Pablo Zabaleta
Bacary Sagna got to try his hand in the new role on Saturday, now it could be the turn of Zabaleta. The full-back’s future is still up in the air, however, should he stay then Guardiola will want him well adapted to the new system for the season ahead.
The Argentine is a combative defender and could suit a switch to a more central role better than his French counterpart.
CDM: Gael Clichy
The Frenchman adapted to his new role well on the opening weekend, while maintaining his defensive solidarity Clichy offered a lot to the forward players ahead of him.
There are areas within his new role however that still need tweaking and with that, like others in this side, he will need more time on the pitch to make the position his own.
RW: Leroy Sane
The summer signing was not involved in Saturday’s clash with Sunderland, which would lead many to believe he will be handed his debut in the Champions League on Tuesday.
The German international arrived from Schalke for a fee of £42m and there are big things expected of the youngster under the guise of Guardiola.
LW: David Silva
A Man City ever present, on of the first names on the teamsheet and a man with experience in abundance that Guardiola will look to balance with the youth in the side.
CAM: Kevin De Bruyne
Whether rotation comes into the frame or not it is impossible to leave this man out of a Man City side. The Belgian international lit the Premier League up last season and will more than likely go on bigger and better things under Pep this season.
The former Wolfsburg man will thrive in the new top heavy system that Guardiola is pushing his players to carry out.
CAM: Nolito
Will more than likely be given free reign of the final third alongside De Bruyne. After a fairly uneventful debut the Spanish international will want to do a bit more this time out.
ST: Kelechi Iheanacho
What? Where’s Aguero?
With the first leg of this tie being played away from home Guardiola is able to experiment a little and will want to see what the youngster can offer him in a competitive environment.
