Manchester City are expected to name a strong side for the Community Shield final on Sunday.
The Blues face rivals Arsenal at Wembley for the traditional top-flight curtain raiser, with the league’s top two sides from last term locking horns.
Pep Guardiola has in previous years used the game as an opportunity to build fitness ahead of the new Premier League campaign. That is expected to be the same this weekend, even if a lack of international tournaments this summer means Guardiola has had longer to work with his squad.
City’s players returned to training in the middle of July - later than most teams - and faced three friendlies as part of their Asia tour. The European champions beat Yokohama Marinos 5-3 on 23 July, and followed that up with a win over Bayern Munich. City did lose their final match on tour, however, and were beaten 2-1 by Atletico Madrid in Seoul.
Three friendlies is a relatively low number for a Premier League side - two fewer than Arsenal, for instance - and Guardiola will use Sunday’s match as an opportunity to get his team in better shape ahead of the big kick off against Burnley in the league next week.
Every outfield player did feature over the three matches abroad, excluding Kevin De Bruyne. City’s no.17 is still recovering from the hamstring injury he sustained in the Champions League final, but has returned to training and could play some part at Wembley.
Nathan Ake is the only other injury doubt and was taken off with a knock against Bayern, which forced him to sit out the Atletico encounter.
With all this in mind, here’s how City could line up against Arsenal…
1. GK: Ederson
The game is a good opportunity for Ederson to get back into his rhythm before the season.
2. RB: Kyle Walker
Could still leave City this summer, but for now remains first-choice right-back.
3. CB: Ruben Dias
Played the full 90 minutes against Atletico and is expected to start.
4. CB: John Stones
Will push into midfield when City have the ball, and help create an overload.