The Man City fans are filling up the Transfer Tavern tonight as they get the drinks in and discuss their opening day fixture at Brighton.
Going by the standards he has set for himself during his managerial career, Pep Guardiola had a poor debut season as Man City manager.
No titles despite a fantastic start to their Premier League campaign which saw them play some of the best football in the division and Pep will want to change that.
Following on from a successful summer of transfers, many pundits are thinking City will end up top of the table come the end of the season and looking at their squad it is easy to see why.
Arguably having one of the easiest opening day fixtures they could ask for, the Sky Blues head down to the Amex to face Premier League new boys, Brighton and Hove Albion.
A good start is crucial for any side looking to lift the trophy at the end of the season.
On that note, here is the lineup pep Guardiola must start to beat Brighton on Saturday.
Ederson
City’s new sweeper keeper is already being compared to German goalkeeping giant, Manuel Neuer.
The Brazilian shot stopper has had an impressive pre-season and the City fans are already behind him because of that.
It’s unlikely he will have much to do at the Amex but he’ll be ready should Brighton come knocking.
John Stones
John Stones will be hoping this will be the season he can really burst onto the scene, for reasons down to his work on the pitch and not how much he was bought for.
A competent centre back but competent won’t win you matches in the Premier League so Stones will need a big performance to keep his place in a side that seems to keep on growing.
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Another good centre back in our landlord’s eyes.
Nicolas Otamendi will be a mainstay in the City first team unless Guardiola brings in some new faces.
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Vincent Kompany
The big Belgian isn’t currently injured but that could change in an instant.
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He’s a leader and that is something City have been missing.
Kyle Walker
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His pace alone will cause the Brighton defence troubles and if he has been working on his crossing over summer, then he could be a real handful.
Kevin De Bruyne
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Kevin De Bruyne can seemingly do it all. He can score goals, he can create them, he is an excellent passer of the ball and perhaps more importantly he is a very smart player.
Defensively he isn’t as sound which brings us to our next player.
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Yaya Toure is an excellent midfielder in defence and going forward.
However, now aged 34 his legs will be starting to tire and dropping into a consistent defensive midfield role would be beneficial for the Ivorian.
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Another new signing from Pep this summer, Benjamin Mendy is another wing back that perfectly fits the Guardiola style of football.
His dribbling and crossing are on point meaning if he can get into the right position, he will be a real threat to the Brighton back line.
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Raheem Sterling had his best professional season during the 2016/17 campaign.
Along with Leroy Sane and either Gabriel Jesus or Sergio Aguero he was a part of a deadly front three and that doesn’t look set to change.
The Brighton defence will have their hands full with Sterling.
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As good as Gabriel Jesus is at such a young age, Sergio Aguero guarantees goals.
He is a natural goal scorer and on the opening day of the season, you just want to get off to a winning start.
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Leroy Sane
Leroy Sane was arguably City’s best player last year.
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The 21-year-old has a bright future along with Raheem Sterling and Gabriel Jesus.
He truly is the present and the future of Man City’s attack.
What do you think City fans? Let us know down below.
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