Manchester City are keeping pace with the front-runners in the Premier League and their fans here in the Tavern are feeling pretty optimistic about the season ahead!

But matters will soon turn back to the Champions League, and next up for the Citizens in Europe are Borussia Monchengladbach, in what is a must-win game for Pep Guardiola.

It will be a tough trip to Germany but the optimism bouncing around the city is high right now, and so it should be too. Guardiola is keeping his team up and around at the top of the Premier League table and in their Champions League group – they’re moving closer to qualification.

But team selection for such an important game is vital and we think we’ve cracked the lineup that Pep should go with.

So armed with some notes from our City-obsessed landlord, here’s our Manchester City XI we think will beat Borussia Monchengladbach on Wednesday…

Claudio Bravo

Like it or not, Claudio Bravo is City’s number one and that won’t be changing anytime soon. He will start the game against the Germans.

Pablo Zabaleta

As time as gone on, some have begun to cast doubt over Pablo Zabaleta’s long-term City future but for now, he’s in the first-team and will more than likely start the game against Borussia.

Granted, he’s not the most attacking option City have in their ranks – but he’s defensively solid and does a real job at right-back for the Citizens.

John Stones

John Stones’ development under Pep Guardiola is ongoing and it’s clear he’s going to turn into quite the player with the right management.

His inexperience at times has been clean for all to see but on other occasions, he’s been absolutely fantastic.

More games of this calibre will only serve to continue his progress.

Vincent Kompany

Providing he overcomes his knock, we’re expecting City captain Vincent Kompany to start the game in the Champions League next week.

He’s got a wealth of experience and you get the impression that alongside John Stones, City would have the perfect balance of youth and experience at the heart of their defence.

Alexander Kolarov

Again, he’s an old flame that continues to do well in the City ranks, especially now he’s back in his favoured left-back position.

His set piece ability is superb and going forward, he’s a decent attacking option too.

Fernandinho

The amount of balance Brazilian midfielder Fernandinho brings to this City midfield is a real boost to Pep Guardiola and he rarely puts a foot wrong.

He offers fantastic protection to a City backline that hasn’t been absolutely perfect this campaign and he’ll start the game against Borussia.

Ilkay Gundogan

Former Dortmund man Ilkay Gundogan is the in-form man in this Manchester City side and despite the 1-1 draw with Middlesbrough a couple of weeks ago, he’s shone in the middle-of-the-park.

He’s skillful, his distribution is superb and his off-the-ball work is also to be admired.

David Silva

We saw David Silva pull the strings in the Spain midfield during the international break and he was superb as his side rallied to a draw against England at Wembley.

He’s a dab-hand in the Champions League and time-and-time again he’s kept City going with his flair and guile.

Jesus Navas

If Pep’s previous Premier League selection is anything to go by, we’re expecting Jesus Navas to start the game in Germany.

He’s more than likely coming towards the end of his City career with the likes of Sane coming through the ranks but he’s still got a big job to play on the City wing.

Kevin De Bruyne

He’s arguably been City’s player of the season so far and Kevin De Bruyne’s excellent start is showing no sign of slowing up.

If there is one man that knows this division and how to unlock the Gladbach defence, it’s KDB. He won’t be a man who Borussia will be looking forward to coming up against in the slightest.

Sergio Aguero

He’s still the main man at the City ground and his goals in recent weeks have proved he’s still very much got a place in Pep Guardiola’s team.

He sat out of the game at the Nou Camp as Pep elected to play a false-nine forward line but Aguero will be on hand in Germany to attempt to lead the Citzens out of the group and into the knockout rounds.