Manchester City’s predicted line-up vs Everton: Will Leroy Sane finally make the cut?

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City started their season with a solid 2-0 victory over newcomers Brighton and Hove Albion at the Amex. Sergio Aguero’s strike and an own goal from Lewis dunk sealed Brighton’s fate as City got off to a winning start after a summer of extravagant spending, especially in defensive positions.

They play their first home game of the season on Monday night as they face Everton who also started off with a victory against Stoke City. Returning lad Wayne Rooney scoring the only goal of that match as Everton look to compete with the top 6 after their own summer spending leading to a revamped squad.

Here is Manchester City’s predicted line-up vs Everton in their first home game of the season:

Goalkeeper:

 

Ederson Moraes

Did not have much to offer against Brighton as The Seagulls were busy defending for most parts of the game. However, Everton could throw more at him and he looks ready for it.

Defence:

 

Vincent Kompany (RCB)

The Big Belgian is one of the best defenders in his league and has been so consistent over the past few years. It will be hard to look past him to fill this position for City.

John Stones (CB)

Stones is slowly starting to show signs of why Guardiola paid such a huge amount for him. He possesses all the qualities Guardiola needs at the heart of his defence as he is extremely comfortable on the ball and reads the game well. He will nonetheless, be looking to cut down on the errors he is prone to committing.

Nicolas Otamendi (LCB)

He is not traditionally the type of defender Guardiola as he tends to make rash challenges. However, he seems to have struck an understanding with Stones and Kompany and this partnership could go a long way in securing City’s title aspirations.

Midfield:

 

Fernandinho (CDM)

The Brazilian started the first game ahead of Yaya Toure and looks set to keep his place as City brace for a strong Everton side. He will have his task cut out against Idrissa Gueye.

Kyle Walker (RWB)

The Englishman was named as man of the match in his first City start. He immediately showed why Pep broke the bank to get him and impressed with his bombarding runs down the right flank. Against Everton though, he will receive lesser freedom and will have to defend more than he had to against Brighton.

Kevin De Bruyne (CM)

The Belgian will no doubt be looking to perform better than he did in the first game. Having been touted as the only “undroppable” in City’s XI, he will look to live up to the expectations. Especially with the likes of Bernardo Silva waiting in the wings.

David Silva (CM)

The Spaniard was his usual busy self against Brighton and provided the assist for Aguero’s goal. With talks of the “New Silva” replacing the “Old one”, he will be determined more than to perform and hold on to his place.

Danilo (LWB)

With Mendy nearing full fitness, Danilo will have probably one more chance to stake his claim for the spot. His lack of left foot makes moves down City’s left flank less fluidic as defenders are always prepared for a cutback.

Attack:

 

Sergio Aguero

He scored City’s first of the season as he looks to prove to the fans that he is still City’s best striker. His work off the ball has improved immensely as well which is why Guardiola is increasingly adamant at wanting the Jesus-Aguero partnership to work.

Gabriel Jesus

The young Brazilian had plenty of chances against Brighton but luck was not on his side. He will hope to trouble Everton’s back three along with his Argentine partner.

 

City are expected to line up unchanged from the game against Brighton as they look to build on their opening day win. Guardiola’s first big test of this season is against Ronald Koeman’s Everton side, a man from whom Pep has learnt a lot. Koeman will be hoping he can put one over his protégé as he looks to challenge the top 6 on a more regular basis.