The best side in the Premier League is ready to go again.
Manchester City open the defence of their crown with a tasty away game against West Ham United, a Sunday fixture which closes the first round of the new campaign. But who will head coach Pep Guardiola select as his starting 11 from his array of stars?
It won’t be the same team as the one which won the 2022 title in a five-goal thriller against Aston Villa in May. Marquee signing Erling Haaland means they have a new goal machine ready to start firing and City’s spending isn’t done quite yet with more transfer targets in sight.
On the way out, we could see a big name leaving the champions for pastures new.
Raheem Sterling is weighing up his options with a single year left on his contract and Chelsea and Real Madrid are reported to be tracking the England man.
So who might start at the London Stadium? I can make some safe predictions but I’m going to take a chance on a couple of incomings.
Goalkeeper: Ederson
This Brazilian keeper is in the SBOTOP list of best stoppers in Europe, as well as our alternative XI to the PFA Team of the Year and he will challenge his compatriot Alisson Becker for the starting place in Brazil’s World Cup team. He’s one of the finest keepers in a generation and the best distributor in the game, able to find a forward with a pinpoint kick or throw.
Left-back: Joao Cancelo
The Portuguese star was the breakout wing-back in the league last term, eclipsing Liverpool’s pair of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andrew Robertson with some stunning displays, defencive skills, incredible assists and spectacular goals. He’s a joy to watch.
Centre-back: Ruben Dias
Since his €68-M transfer from Benfica to Manchester City in 2020, Dias has been the leader at the heart of the Sky Blues’ defence. He’s equally comfortable with both feet but often plays on the left side of defence. He is dominant in the air and has a brilliant passing range which he uses to launch attacks.
Centre-back: Matthijs de Ligt
Now here’s a punt!
Reports in Italy have suggested that Juventus’ 22-year-old centre-back De Ligt is stalling on a new contract with his current deal set to run out in 2024. The Dutch international has a €120-M release clause and, if he extends his stay in Turin, he is likely to receive a wage cut. City can afford to pay the player what he wants and if Pep can persuade the centre-back to join the same league as his international partner Virgil van Dijk, then this rumour will gather pace.
Right-back: Kyle Walker
Now at 32 years of age, Walker is approaching the last few years of his time in the top-flight, but the England wing-back has plenty to offer the champions for at least a couple more campaigns. He is still one of the fastest players in the league and, with bags of experience in defence, he is a likely starter for the 2022/23 season.
Defencive midfield: Rodri
With Fernandinho now reaching 37 years of age, the defencive midfield role goes to Rodri, who is 12 years his junior. A powerful unit at 6’3”, he has a superb reading of the game and is able to break up play and support the forward players. The Spaniard has scored 12 goals in 102 appearances for the Sky Blues – a good return for a deep-lying player.
Rodri may see some competition arriving at the club if City pursue their interest in Leeds midfielder Kalvin Phillips.
Right midfield: Phil Foden
The excellent Riyad Mahrez can lay a claim to the right wing role but I’m handing the spot to Phil Foden who, at 22 years of age, is one of the best young players in the world. Described by Guardiola as a ‘special player”, older City fans compare Foden’s ability to glide past defenders’ with the style of club legend Colin Bell.
Central midfield: Kevin De Bruyne
The complete player according to many a respected head coach, Kevin De Bruyne has been the standout player in Manchester City’s brilliant run of four league titles in five years.
He’s been one of the league’s biggest assist makers and a regular scorer, and De Bruyne is sure to provide his fair share of Premier League 2022 highlights in the new campaign. He sets the tone of play and can win a game on his own.
Central midfield: Ilkay Gundogan
Gundogan is a crucial cog in the City machine and a great box-to-box player. He scored a late double as the Sky Blues turned the final day of the 2021/22 campaign on its head as they roared back from a two-goal deficit with 15 minutes to play to beat Aston Villa 3-2. And that gives him legendary status at the Etihad.
Left midfield: Jack Grealish
Grealish struggled for consistency in his first season with City, but the former Aston Villa man has magic in his boots and, if he continues to gain confidence under Guardiola, he could have a great career with the Sky Blues.
Centre forward: Erling Haaland
After the Sky Blues spent much of last summer chasing Harry Kane, they started the 2021/22 season without a genuine goal scorer, though Gabriel Jesus made a big contribution as the nearest thing. The Brazilian striker is being pursued by Arsenal and is open to a move away following the arrival of Haaland at the Etihad. The minute Haaland signed on the dotted line, the Premier League 2022 betting odds, on Manchester City winning a third consecutive title, hardened and, with my apologies to Liverpool fans, I’d say Pep’s boys are the team to beat again.
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