Manchester City will have to settle for either silver or bronze at best in the Premier League this season after having the title snatched away by runaway leaders Liverpool.
However, there’s still plenty to play for between now and the end of the season, including an FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium and a series of crucial matches in the race for Champions League football.
Pep Guardiola will hope this season is just a minor blip in what has otherwise been a near flawless career in management since taking over from Manuel Pellegrini at the Etihad Stadium back in 2016. The Spaniard will be around for at least the next two years after penning a contract extension back in November and will hope to assemble a team that can add to his record six Premier League titles.
City refreshed their squad with some big additions in the January window, with the most impactful so far being Omar Marmoush from Eintracht Frankfurt. But there’s still plenty of room for signings with Kevin de Bruyne’s to leave on a free and uncertainty surrounding another of other experienced names. Below we have put together Man City’s potential starting XI next season if the latest transfer rumours come true...
1. GK: Ederson
Brazil international Ederson is approaching the final year of his contract but remains one of the best in the business. He's expected to start inbetween the posts next term. | Getty Images
2. LB: Josko Gvardiol
Croatian international Josko Gvardiol has been a consistent starter throughout the season and is expected to be pivotal once again. | Getty Images
3. CB: Ruben Dias
When fully fit, Portuguese international Ruben Dias is still one of the best in his position in the Premier League. | Getty Images
4. CB: John Stones
He's struggled with injuries this term but England international John Stones is still an elite defender who fits well into Pep Guardiola's style with his ability to play out from the back. | Getty Images