The Man City fans in the Transfer Tavern are looking forward to the return of the Champions League. The Citizens have done very well so far in the competition, and a win in their next game could effectively seal their progression into the last 16 of the competition. Pep Guardiola’s team selection against Napoli on Wednesday, then, will be very important.

The Sky Blues have been doing very well in the Premier League, and on Saturday they were able to pick up yet another three points against West Brom. The game was more difficult than most for the club this season, but they were good value for the win, and Guardiola will surely take even more confidence from the way that his side performed.

As has often been the case, the entire team picked by Pep impressed on the day, but there were a few standout players that helped push them over the line. With such a tight scoreline, every minor decision had an impact, and so the win can arguably be put down to a few good performances. With Napoli set to offer a stern test for the Citizens, these standout players surely need to retain their places today.

With that said, Guardiola simply must start these 2 players for Man City against Napoli – agreed?

Fernandinho

Fernandinho is a hugely underrated and underappreciated member of the Man City first team.

He doesn’t bring the flashiness of a Leroy Sane, or the skill of a Kevin De Bruyne, but his role is every bit as important. He is strong, resolute and combative in the midfield.

With so much flair in the team, someone has to do the heavy lifting, and more often than not, it has been Fernandinho this season.

Napoli are strong going forward, and so Fernandinho must start.

Fabian Delph

Who would have thought that Fabian Delph would have been so important to Pep Guardiola’s team at the start of the season?

The Englishman, following the injury to Benjamin Mendy, has been so crucial to Guardiola’s plans, having impressed on the left-hand side of the defence.

With few other choices, the manager has surely got to go for Delph once more. He doesn’t offer too much going forward, but he has proven that he is so solid defensively.