Manchester City are back to winning ways after a clinical performance against Bournemouth last week, as Sergio Aguero and Raheem Sterling continued their frightening form.
The Argentine is now just one goal behind (4) his colleague Sterling (5) after just three games. And, with the visit of Brighton & Hove Albion up next, the two have a chance to take an early lead in the Golden Boot race.
Pep Guardiola’s men have six goals in their two Premier League games against them, which includes the famous four they bagged in May as they clinched their fourth Premier League title.
So, with City spoilt for choices as always, how will the Spaniard set up his side?
Sterling and Aguero have bagged nine of City’s 10 goals in the Premier League so far, so their position will not be under threat. However, Bernardo Silva has not scored or assisted just yet [WhoScored.com], so Riyad Mahrez should potentially come in for his first start considering his wonder goal in the title-clinching victory at the Amex in May.
Kevin De Bruyne became the fastest player in Premier League history to 50 assists with his lay-off for Aguero’s goal against Bournemouth, and the Belgian should keep his place, whilst the magician David Silva assisted two in that game, earning him a place in Sky Sports’ Team of the Week.
Also in the centre, Ilkay Gundogan remains an unsung hero at City with his six goals and three assists last year [WhoScored.com] and he should keep his spot to add to the Sky Blues’ creativity.
Oleksandr Zinchenko should keep his place based on the injury to Benjamin Mendy – the Ukrainian was excellent last year, registering three assists and 2.4 tackles per game in his 14 appearances (as per WhoScored.com).
Like Mendy, John Stones remains sidelined, forcing Nicolas Otamendi back into the starting XI – the Argentine was a rock for his country in the Copa America this summer, making 5.5 clearances per game and 3.7 long balls per game (as per WhoScored.com).
One of the biggest headlines this week was the omission of Kyle Walker from the England squad which could force the 29-year-old to make way for Joao Cancelo’s first start for City. Cancelo achieved five assists for Juventus last season and played a key role in Portugal’s Nations League glory (as per WhoScored.com).
How would you line up? Join the discussion by commenting below…
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