Manchester City return to competitive action this Saturday when they take on Manchester United in the Community Shield.
For both sides, the new campaign ends as the last one started: A Manchester derby at Wembley.
City have struggled in this fixture over recent years and have lost the season curtain raiser in each of the last three years. The Premier League champions will be desperate to begin the new term with a win over their rivals and by picking up silverware, but it’s likely there will be an experimental feel to Saturday’s game.
United have been rocked by a defensive injury crisis ahead of the game and the availability of those involved in this summer’s major international tournaments is unclear.
City are in a similar boat and majority of those who played at Euro 2024 and the Copa America only returned to training in the last week, while Kyle Walker, John Stones, Rodri and Phil Foden still aren’t back in pre-season following their extended runs with England and Spain.
The Blues were forced to select understrength XIs across their four US friendlies and, with the plethora of missing senior players, the team was bolstered by the inclusion of several youngsters. It’s likely Guardiola’s side at Wembley will resemble the XI that was selected in last week's final summer friendly against Chelsea.
There is expected to be at least one change though, with Josh Wilson-Esbrand picking up a knock in that match. Here’s the side we expect City to line up with this weekend…
5. LB: Josko Gvardiol
Wilson-Esbrand's injury might see the Croat shift to the left side of a back four. Gvardiol played in the final three pre-season matches after meeting up late with the squad.
6. CM: Nico O'Reilly
Shone during the summer friendlies and Guardiola confirmed the midfielder is in his first-team plans this season. But Saturday could be the biggest test of his fledging career to date.
7. CM: Mateo Kovacic
Returned late alongside Gvardiol and is the only experienced midfield option if Phillips is selected in defence.
8. AM: James McAtee
Another who impressed in the pre-season outings. The youngster has chosen to remain at City this season after two years on loan at Bramall Lane.