Manchester City fans in the Transfer Tavern are prepared to mark Pep Guardiola’s debut Premier League season down as transitional but they’re expecting major improvements this summer.
The Citizens still haven’t quite secured a top-four finish but should be able to ensure Arsenal don’t beat them to that spot on the final day of the season, as the Gunners would require Watford to win and need a five-goal swing in goal difference.
Despite the threat of that happening, fans in the bar believe Pep Guardiola should experiment with his selection today and hand opportunities to fringe players within the squad, giving them the chance of pushing for further opportunities next season.
Our landlord agrees that this is the perfect time to make these sort of changes as he can’t see the Citizens slipping up on the final day and expects the team to get a win regardless of any changes made to their side.
Aleix Garcia
Aleix Garcia is seen by many at Manchester City as the ideal long-term replacement for Yaya Toure and the Spaniard’s first-team exposure this season has been limited, accumulating four Premier League appearances but managing just 76 minutes of action- 49 of which came against Middlesbrough at the end of April in his only start.
If the Spaniard is to fill the boots of City’s veteran Ivorian, Garcia will need more football action to continue his development and Pep Guardiola would be wise the utilise the 19-year-old in today’s game with Watford at Vicarage Road.
Fabian Delph
Fabian Delph has found it difficult to settle at Manchester City since making his move to the Etihad Stadium from Aston Villa and this season he’s managed just 220 minutes of Premier League action, with just two starts in seven appearances.
Delph’s long-term future with the Citizens is under speculation and the 27-year-old could be on the move this summer, with today’s clash with the Hornets potentially being one of his last chances to make an impression on Guardiola.
