After convincing victories against Club América and Bayern Munich in pre-season, Manchester City are set to go toe-to-toe against Liverpool to win the FA Community Shield this weekend.
The likes of Phil Foden, Ilkay Gundogan and John Stones could reunite with the senior matchday squad, after being ineligible to join the side in the United States due to entry restrictions.
Pep Guardiola and Jürgen Klopp’s sides have arguably been English football’s dominant forces for around half a decade.
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Most recently, it was the former who defeated the latter in last season’s final-day chase to become Premier League champions.
The last time these two sides met in the competition was in 2019, with the clash ending in a 1-1 draw, before Manchester City went on to reign supreme on penalties.
While the upcoming contest will likely have no bearing on the Premier League title race, both sides will be aiming to clinch that all-important psychological advantage from day one, and secure the first silverware available of the season.
Ahead of what promises to be a cracking encounter, here is how we expected Manchester City to line-up:
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Predicted Team:
Stefan Ortega Moreno could be in line to start in between the sticks, with Ederson expected to be drafted into the line-up for the side’s Premier League opener against West Ham at the London Stadium next weekend.
Manchester City’s brand-new number seven, Joao Cancelo, could usurp Kyle Walker as the starting right-back for the clash against Jürgen Klopp’s men.
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Ruben Dias looked sharp during his return to the fold against Bayern Munich in pre-season after suffering a bout of illness, and is expected to captain the Manchester side at the King Power Stadium.
With Aymeric Laporte now ruled out until at least the end of August, and John Stones partaking in pre-season training with the under-23s in Croatia, Nathan Ake is arguably a safe bet to start proceedings.
There have been reports about Josh Wilson-Esbrand potentially emerging as a back-up left-back next term, and what better way to put his abilities to the test than against none other than Mohamed Salah.
With Rodri expected to start against West Ham on the opening weekend of the Premier League season, Kalvin Phillips could be handed the chance to screen the back-four against Liverpool.
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Despite the tenuous speculation surrounding Bernardo Silva’s and a potential move to Barcelona this summer, those rumours look likely to be put to bed once again, as he may start in midfield.
Kevin De Bruyne is also expected to be one of the first names on the teamsheet, with the Belgian superstar looking in unplayable touch during pre-season.
After recently signing a two-year contract extension with the Premier League champions, keeping him at the club until at least 2025, Riyad Mahrez could be rewarded once again with a start against the Reds.
With Erling Haaland looking match-fit, as well as getting off the mark in a Manchester City shirt against Bayern Munich, Pep Guardiola could unleash the marquee signing once again to further assess where his fitness levels stand.
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Jack Grealish was arguably Manchester City’s most in-form player during pre-season - a factor that could mean he is handed a start against last season’s FA Cup and Carabao Cup winners.
Predicted Team: Stefan Ortega Moreno; Joao Cancelo, Ruben Dias, Nathan Ake, Josh Wilson-Esbrand; Kalvin Phillips, Bernardo Silva, Kevin De Bruyne; Riyad Mahrez, Erling Haaland, Jack Grealish.
Substitutes: Ederson, Kyle Walker, Luke Mbete, John Stones, Rodri, Ilkay Gundogan, Phil Foden, Cole Palmer, Julian Alvarez.
Topics: Liverpool, Manchester City, Community Shield, Pep Guardiola, Erling Haaland, Ederson, Kevin De Bruyne
Srinivas Sadhanand