There is no doubt that Manchester City are on the charge in Premier League but would third place and the FA Cup be a successful season for Pep Guardiola and his men?

Our landlord believes it would be successful, given the difficulties City were experiencing at the turn of the year which really saw the them fall off the pace of the Premier League title race.

Our resident Citizens have a contrasting opinion to our landlord and really did expect more from Guardiola. Although a trophy would be nice, the expectation was to be fighting for the Premier League and to display a better show in Europe, something which City have failed to do.

Saying this, City have shown form in recent weeks and with the full return of Vincent Kompany boosting everyone around the club, could the catalyst be in place to bring the FA Cup to the blue side of Manchester this season?

If recent history is to go by, City should have no fear. A win against Arsenal at the Etihad in December paired with a draw at the Emirates earlier this month means that the Citizens have not yet lost against Arsenal this season and if Guardiola picks this XI, our landlord believes that record will not end here.

With that said, let’s take a look at this XI…

GK: Claudio Bravo

Britain Football Soccer – Manchester City v Watford – Premier League – Etihad Stadium – 14/12/16 Manchester City’s Claudio Bravo Reuters / Phil Noble Livepic EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Please contact your account representative for further details.

With Bravo retaining his place in the Premier League as well as playing in the last round of the cup against Middlesbrough, our landlord believes he will play over Willy Cabellero at Wembley.

The Chilean has been less than convincing between the sticks for City this season and will look to prove a point come Sunday.

RB: Jesus Navas

Guardiola sure does like finding new positions for certain players and Jesus Navas has fallen victim to this trait in recent weeks.

However, City fans in the Tavern have been pleasantly surprised by some of Navas’ performances and expect him to keep his spot against Arsenal on Sunday.

CB: Vincent Kompany

It would take a lot for Kompany to not play in arguably City’s most important game this season and our landlord expects the Belgium defender to be leading the Citizens out at Wembley.

His goal last weekend against Southampton bought many cheers in the Tavern and he will be a massive boost to a recently shaky City defence.

CB: Nicolas Otamendi

The Argentine should partner Kompany at the back and our landlord believes this pairing should make City harder to break down for the remainder of the season.

Our resident Citizens agree and note that Otamendi has actually had a good season under Pep Guardiola this term.

LB: Gael Clichy

Former Gunner and invincible Clichy will line up against his former team for the third time this season at Wembley on Sunday and our landlord believes the Frenchman’s battle against Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain may be a key one.

CDM: Fernandinho

Back in his favourite midfield role of late, it was fair to say that Guardiola’s attempt to change Fernandinho into a full back was an interesting one.

He will instead provide the steel in front of City’s back four on Sunday, much to the delight of our resident City fans.

CDM: Yaya Toure

One of the come back stories of the season, there is no doubt in our landlord’s mind that Yaya Toure has been vital to any success City have had this season.

Seemingly improved from last season, Toure seems to have buckled down and look to prove his worth to boss, Pep Guardiola.

RAM: Kevin de Bruyne

The Belgian will be shifted out to the right wing in order to accommodate all of City’s attacking talents but our landlord notes that he can be just has effective from this position.

In the last meeting against Arsenal at the Emirates, de Bruyne was denied by the woodwork twice – something he will look to avenge here.

CAM: David Silva

City’s midfield maestro. Can Silva unlock the Gunners’ defence and lead the Citizens to victory at Wembley?

Our landlord definitely believes the Spaniard has the talent to do so and is looking forward to seeing how Arsenal cope with Silva on Sunday.

LAM: Leroy Sane

Twice a scorer against Arsenal this season, our resident City fans in the Tavern are hoping Sane can make it three in three against the Gunners to propel them to the cup final.

The German has had a stand out first year on the blue half of Manchester and will look to bring home a trophy as memory of his strong year.