Man City travel to face Newcastle this weekend as Pep Guardiola’s side look to consolidate top spot in the Premier League.
City hit Leeds for seven in midweek in a flawless attacking performance, making it seven wins on the spin since their shock 2-0 home defeat by Crystal Palace in October.
Guardiola’s side embarked on a similar winning run at this stage of last season and the City faithful will hope their side show a similarly potentially defining level of consistency over the festive period.
Here’s how Guardiola could line his side up.
Ederson (GK) – A Man City stalwart and closing in on 160 appearances for the club.
John Stones (RB) – Kyle Walker is a doubt, meaning the former Everton man may have to fill in at full back again this weekend.
Ruben Dias (CB) – Warrior-like, displaying impressive reading of the game as well as a desire to put his body on the line when required.
Aymeric Laporte (CB) – A cerebral defender, blessed with a great range of passing.
Joao Cancelo (LB) – Suspended for the win over Leeds in midweek and should go straight back into the team.
Rodri (DM) – Enjoying a brilliant campaign, playing with immense swagger at the base of midfield.
Ilkay Gundogan (CM) – City’s top goalscorer last season and, although his numbers have naturally dropped off this term, he still retains a goal threat.
Bernardo Silva (CM) – Rivalling Mohamed Salah in the Player of the Year stakes in the Premier League thus far.
Riyad Mahrez (RW) – Could be given the nod on the right to provide width in the absence of Walker’s late runs.
Kevin De Bruyne (ST) – The Belgian looked close to his best in the thrashing of Leeds after contracting Covid-19 recently.
Phil Foden (LW) – Equally comfortable operating as a true winger or infield as an attacking midfielder.