Manchester City fans in the Transfer Tavern have been so impressed with the football their side has produced this pre-season…

The form of Kevin de Bruyne has especially caught the eye of the Citizens in the Transfer Tavern and they are expecting big things from the Belgian who, at 26 years of age, is approaching the peak of his career. Alongside the form of de Bruyne, our landlord has seen some great results for Guardiola’s men in pre season with a 4-1 win over the La Liga champions Real Madrid being followed up with a 3-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur, who will surely be a title rival this season.

These results have seen numerous players perform and the City fans at the bar have been discussing some dilemmas that may face Guardiola when he goes to pick his team for the first game of the Premier League season. Brighton will be the visitors to the Etihad and though playing a newly promoted side is the perfect opportunity for some methods to be tested in a competitive fixture, a defeat could prove catastrophic and really pile the pressure on Pep Guardiola – especially after a trophyless season in the last campaign.

The debate has gone on for a while but the City fans have been able to list two dilemmas that Guardiola must overcome when he selects his first Premier League XI of the season.

Let’s take a look at them here…

Who is the first choice striker?

With Gabriel Jesus enjoying a full pre-season, our landlord isn’t sure whether or not the Brazilian will assume the role of the first choice striker which was his status before he got injured for the last quarter of last season. Alongside this, Jesus fractured his eye socket in a friendly for Brazil in June but he has managed to return and will be fit for the start of the season.

The other option City have to play up front is Sergio Aguero. Whilst Aguero needs no introduction over his ability, it was evident that the Argentine was unhappy at playing second fiddle to Jesus midway through last season and the dilemma for Guardiola doesn’t just come with picking the right forward but keeping both his hit-men happy at the club.

Who will play at left back?

Now, a lot of cash has been spent on full backs by Pep Guardiola this summer and the City fans in the Tavern perceive one of the dilemmas to be that of which combination will make up the City XI.

Kyle Walker, Danilo and Benjamin Mendy have all joined the club this summer but with Mendy picking up an injury problem – the discussion has turned to who will fill that position with Walker and Danilio both naturally being right-backs.

Of course, Danilo is a versatile defender but our landlord wouldn’t put it past Guardiola to pick a make shift left back.