Manchester City predicted lineup for 2022-23 season

Having spent heavily in the summer, the citizens will finally hope to add European Success to their collection

Manchester City has been a dominant force in the Premier League since the arrival of Pep Guardiola in the dugout. With every season, the Spanish tactician continues to write new chapters in the world's most competitive league. However, his success has not come easily after failing miserably in his debut season. Guardiola has been backed in every possible way by Manchester City since his first season in 2016-17.

In the last five years, the Cityzens have won four Premier League titles, but there's still much more to be won. The Champions League may still be a long way from the Etihad Stadium's trophy cabinet, but new campaign and signings have given City fans hope. Cityzens have bolstered their ranks with Erling Haaland and Kalvin Phillips to continue their dominance in the 2022-23 season. There would, however, be few changes to the lineup as new signings bring new dimensions to the team.  

Today, we take a look at how Manchester City can line up for the upcoming season.

Goalkeeper- Ederson

Ederson is a no-brainer for the goalkeeping spot in the Manchester City starting XI. He is one of the safest bets in the Premier League and Manchester City's attack starts from him. With three Premier League Golden Glove awards in a row under his belt, the Brazilian will be looking to continue his stellar career at Etihad Stadium. Manchester City also signed German goalkeeper Stefan Ortega this summer but he is likely to provide cover for Ederson and share the burden during Cup competitions.

Right Back- Kyle Walker

Kyle Walker has been an integral part of Pep Guardiola's reign at Etihad Stadium after arriving from Spurs in a record-breaking transfer in the 2017-18 season. Under Guardiola's tactics, the English international has flourished and is regarded as one of the best full-backs in the world. He also made 20 starts last season, which contributed significantly to the city's league triumph. Although City does not have many quality options to replace Walker at the right, making his spot certain going into next season.

Centre Back- Ruben Dias

Ruben Dias is an indispensable member of Manchester City. The former Benfica centre-back arrived in England in the 2020 season and has quickly established himself as one of the league's best defenders. In addition to being tall and strong, he is also good on the ball. Under a demanding coach like Pep Guardiola, making your spot permanent isn't easy. But Dias has made it happen and in very short time.

Centre Back- Aymeric Laporte

Aymeric Laporte's journey at the Etihad has been full of ups and downs. He went from being the third-choice centre-back to Pep's most trusted defender last season. He made 33 Premier League appearances last season, more than in 2019/20 and 2020/21 combined. After Laporte's scintillating last season, Stones has fallen down the pecking order. While Laporte is likely to retain his starting place in the 2022/23 season, but Stones may start the season as the first-choice centre-half because of Laporte's injury.

Left Back- João Cancelo

Joao Cancelo is another indispensable member of this Pep Guardiola team. The Portuguese fullback has perfectly slotted as the left back under Guardiola and is arguably one of best in the Premier League. Especially last season, he was a captivating force on the left. He made 36 starts and registered seven assists to take Manchester City to their second consecutive Premier League title.

Defensive midfielder- Rodri

Rodri is Manchester City's midfield engine. One season after another, he has been an integral part of the Cityzens. He even demonstrated his goal-scoring ability last season, scoring seven times in 33 appearances. With Fernandinho leaving the club, the Spanish midfielder will play an even bigger role this season. In spite of City signing Kalvin Phillips as an alternative to Rodri, he is unlikely to start ahead of a proven player like the Spaniard.

Central Midfielder- Kevin De Bruyne

Kevin De Bruyne is unquestionably one of the best players in the world and does not need any justification for his spot in Manchester City’s starting lineup. The Belgian midfielder has been in incredible form over the last few years, and his statistics are unmatched. He had 15 goals last season and eight assists. Going into next season, expectations are the same from the Belgian maestro and fans will be hoping for another dominant show in midfield.

Central Midfielder- Bernardo Silva

Bernardo Silva's career skyrocketed last season at the Etihad. Noticeably, Guardiola got the best out of him, playing him in the midfield. In addition to scoring eight goals last season, this Portuguese attacker displayed great versatility in the starting lineup. He used to play as an attacking midfielder or winger prior to last season, but he transitioned into the midfield really well. Challenging Silva's position at Manchester City is İlkay Gündoğan, but his performance last season probably will be enough to keep him in starting lineup.

Right Winger- Riyad Mahrez

The left foot of Riyad Mahrez on the right wing is a joy to watch. The Algerian winger has recently extended his contract at Etihad Stadium until 2025. In addition to his link-up with Kyle Walker, he has been an electric force on the right wing. In 28 Premier League appearances last season, Mahrez scored 11 goals and will again be crucial to City's title defence.

Left Winger- Phil Foden

It is hard to find a team with more depth or quality than Manchester City. In this star-studded lineup, Phil Foden has made a name for himself. As far as the left winger position is concerned, Phil Foden is likely to receive the nod ahead of Jack Grealish and Julián Álvarez. He is one of Pep Guardiola's favorites at the club, and his strong performances reflect his trust in the youngster. Foden scored nine goals and assisted five last season, but he will have a bigger role this year since Raheem Sterling and Gabriel Jesus have left the club.

Striker- Erling Haaland

One of the biggest talking points of next season will be Erling Haaland's performance in the Premier League. The Norwegian striker has earned a big reputation in his short career thus far and has drawn comparisons to biggies like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. He was a goal machine at Borussia Dortmund, scoring 86 goals in 89 appearances. Haaland is certain to slot into Pep Guardiola's starting eleven as Gabriel Jesus has already left the club and there aren't quality options in the striker role.