We here at the Transfer Tavern have been excited by the start that Manchester City have made to their season under Pep Guardiola – he has clicked straight away.

After Tuesday night’s 3-1 victory over Barcelona in the Champions League group stages, you could forgive our punters here at the Transfer Tavern for being a little bit excited about City’s season.

This weekend the Citizens face a Middlesbrough side managed by another successful Spanish manager in Aitor Karanka.

It could be a tough test for Boro, with City coming off the back of a victory against Barcelona.

There has been a number of things that Guardiola has got perfect so far in his time in England, and if he can continue to do so against Boro, we see no reason why they should come out victorious.

With that, these are the THREE things Guardiola must do for Man City to easily beat Middlesbrough on Saturday…..

START ILKAY GUNDOGAN

This might seem an obvious choice with his contribution so far since coming back from an injury, when he first arrived from Borussia Dortmund.

The 25-year-old helped his side to victory against Barcelona and has looked like a rock in the heart of the midfield.

The German International has been key in his side’s recent victories and his ability to perform not just as cover for the back-line, but also help support Aguero up-top.

LEAVE KOLAROV ON THE BENCH

When you have a number of top centre-backs in the club its surprising that Guardiola being the tactician he is decided to play Kolarov in a central defensive role – despite the fact he’d never played there in his career previously.

But he obviously saw something in Kolarov playing more central otherwise why would he do so?

But with Kompany back and Stones as reliable as ever, it is hard to see where Kolarov can feature in the formation Guardiola wants to play to win games.

PLAY SERGIO AGUERO

This perhaps seems the obvious choice?

But apparently not – despite Aguero’s unbelievable goal scoring record in the Premier League but under Guardiola, it appears no-one is safe in their positions and with the uprising Kelechi Iheanacho, it can make the choice to start him a little harder.

But surely by now Guardiola will have seen that his side is much better with the Argentine striker in the side than out of it.

When he’s on the pitch you can almost guarantee that he will get you a goal or two – and Boro will have to be wary of his presence on Saturday.