Manchester City’s pre-season didn’t get off to the best of starts following the two-day delay in their flight out to China, but since then, things have gone pretty smoothly for manager Pep Guardiola. The Spaniard has a strong squad available to him for this afternoon’s match against Liverpool in the Community Shield.

In defence, the City boss will likely go with the tried and tested, with Kyle Walker and Oleksandr Zinchenko as fullbacks. John Stones and Aymeric Laporte are expected to be named the centre-backs. Guardiola has already confirmed that Claudio Bravo will start in goal following a year out with an Achilles injury.

In midfield, Rodri is likely to make his competitive debut, and after an excellent preseason, Kevin De Bruyne has made a strong case to start, along with David Silva.

With Gabriel Jesus and Sergio Aguero having had extended breaks following their exploits at the Copa America, Guardiola may opt to select Raheem Sterling as the main striker with Leroy Sane and Bernardo Silva on the flanks.

Manchester City’s Predicted XI To Face Liverpool:

Bravo, Walker, Stones, Laporte, Zinchenko, De Bruyne, Rodri, Silva, Bernardo, Sterling, Sane

Predicted Score – 2-0 To City