Manchester City fans in the Transfer Tavern are accepting it has been a transitional first season under the guidance of Pep Guardiola and they’re expecting much better fortune next season.
The Citizens face a battle to secure a spot in the Champions League next season and need to get the most out of their remaining two fixtures against West Brom and Watford but a quick turnaround in fixtures means rotation may be necessary.
Guardiola’s side has already been ravaged by injury and any further issues leave City running the risk of being without key-players for their final weekend clash with Watford, where the battle for a top-four finish is likely to be concluded.
With the West Brom game being the home tie of the two remaining fixtures, our landlord believes this is the ideal opportunity for City to bleed youngsters into the side and provide a rest for players who ill be crucial on the final day of the season.
Fans in the bar expressed their worries with our landlord’s suggestion but they’ve changed their tune after seeing the two names he’s picked out, as they feel they’d be more than capable of filling in.
Kelechi Iheanacho
The Nigerian striker has seen his opportunities in the first-team significantly limited since Gabriel Jesus’ arrival in January, as the 20-year-old forward has not started for the Citizens since a 45-minute appearance in early January against Burnley.
In recent weeks Iheanacho has featured off the bench, only accumulating 24 minutes of action from four substitute appearances in total though, but the injury to Sergio Aguero has added pressure to Gabriel Jesus and deploying Iheanacho against West Brom could be beneficial.
Iheanacho has good experience in the Premier League, where he’s earned 42 appearances overall, and it would show the club still support their African starlet – who could battle-it-out for first-team football with Jesus next year.
Aleix Garcia
19-year-old defensive midfielder Aleix Garcia is one of the most highly-rated youngsters within the Citizens’ squad and has earned eight appearances across all competitions this season, last featuring in the 2-2 draw with Middlesbrough at the end of April.
With Pep Guardiola’s squad stretched due to absences, adding Garcia into central midfield for the hosting of Tony Pulis’ West Brom would be a wise move and it would allow for players to be rested ahead of the final day against Watford.
Like with Iheanacho, it would also give the teenager a confidence boost ahead of next season – particularly if he earns what would only be his second Premier League start.
