Manchester City have had to cope with injuries to key players like Rodri and Kevin De Bruyne this season, while Pep Guardiola has been shuffling his squad regularly.
For years, “Pep roulette” was a common term among Premier League fans, referring to the unpredictable nature of Guardiola’s team selections. While City have become more consistent with their lineup in recent years, there’s still an element of uncertainty when it comes to guessing their starting XI.
City remain unbeaten so far this season, but there’s a sense they haven’t quite hit top gear yet—something often seen in the early stages of a campaign. Injuries to Rodri and De Bruyne, along with the gradual reintroduction of Phil Foden, have raised questions in midfield and attack, while the defense has been relatively stable but short on clean sheets.
With Rodri out for the season and City competing across multiple fronts, including the addition of another tournament next summer, the big question is: what is their strongest lineup for the biggest games? Our City reporters weighed in on what they believe Guardiola’s best XI should be.
Simon Bajkowski
City’s strongest XI right now might not seem as formidable as it did before the international break, but it’s important to note that they’ve faced stiff competition recently, with Arsenal, Newcastle, and Fulham all sitting in the top eight. Despite some defensive struggles, Guardiola has mostly stuck with the same core players.
Kyle Walker has had an inconsistent start, both as a starter and substitute, and John Stones hasn’t quite returned to his best form. As a result, the defense largely picks itself, despite the lack of clean sheets. Rico Lewis has become increasingly important, especially with Rodri out for the season. In attack, Savinho and Jack Grealish slightly edge out Jeremy Doku as the wide options alongside Erling Haaland.
The midfield is where the real debate lies. Mateo Kovacic has struggled in the No. 6 role, but his two goals against Fulham proved crucial. Ilkay Gundogan, meanwhile, hasn’t fully settled back in, and Phil Foden has had a slow start to the season. Bernardo Silva has been solid, if unspectacular, in a variety of roles.
For me, Kovacic holds his place due to his goals and defensive work, while Foden narrowly gets the nod over Gundogan, given the latter’s underwhelming form so far.
Bajkowski’s XI: Ederson, Lewis, Akanji, Dias, Gvardiol, Kovacic, Bernardo, Foden, Savinho, Grealish, Haaland.
Joe Bray
Going into the game against Fulham, I thought the back four was settled, but after conceding early and seeing multiple in-game defensive changes, there’s a bit of doubt now. Lewis, Akanji, Dias, and Gvardiol have started six of City’s 11 games together, and despite some hiccups, I’d keep them as my defensive unit for a “strongest XI.”
Kovacic seems the closest thing City have to a Rodri replacement, with Bernardo Silva playing the versatile role of supporting midfielder and roaming between the lines. Kevin De Bruyne would be the clear choice in midfield if fit, but since he’s not, the question becomes: who steps in? Foden?
Foden has shown flashes of his usual brilliance, but like Gundogan, he’s still finding his rhythm. To complete the forward line behind Haaland, it’s a toss-up between Savinho, Doku, and Grealish. Doku, with two goals and an assist in four appearances, might be the most in-form forward right now. Grealish, meanwhile, can operate on the opposite flank or even switch roles with Foden to offer a different attacking threat.
Bray’s XI: Ederson, Lewis, Akanji, Dias, Gvardiol; Kovacic, Bernardo, Foden; Doku, Grealish, Haaland.
