The pressure is always bound to be on for Premier League players. It’s an inevitability due to the blockbuster nature in which their every move is scrutinised all around the world.Dealing with such pressure is what makes the top stars so revered, though it is important to remember these men are human beings.No weekend in recent memory has indicated that so much than this particular one.All around the league, a multitude of silliness has seen some of the top stars given their marching orders for entirely preventable reasons.Francis Coquelin was the first culprit of that in the heated North London derby, who inexplicably felled Harry Kane when the Spurs marksman had very little options on where to go.The same level of rash decision making was guilty of Everton winger Kevin Mirallas later on that day, who was first booked for diving before a silly challenge when blocking a clearance led to his dismissal.
Not to be outdone, both Manchester United and Liverpool stars would get themselves an early bath in the most ridiculous of circumstances today.
James Milner received a second booking at Selhurst Park earlier when scything Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha down when deep into his own box.
He’s fast James, but he’s notÂthatÂfast.
However, perhaps the most baffling of dismissals was saved for the final Premier League game of the weekend.
Juan Mata, usually one of the most reserved stars in the league, petulantly blocked a free-kick within the first 20 minutes of United’s clash with West Bromwich Albion.
It was an act of time wasting you might expect to see towards the end of a fiercely contested cup final, not the opening stages of a Premier League match.
As if that wasn’t enough, the Spanish playmaker then went into fullÂRamboÂmode and kicked Darren Fletcher just three minutes later.
How anyone can ever be so angry as to kick the much loved Scot is truly baffling.
Perhaps the pressure just got too much for some of the top star’s in the league as the season enters its proverbial ‘business end’.
It’s an absolute crying shame and almost beyond belief.
Once again, missing and overlooked from the England squad for the latest international friendlies, Mark Noble still hasn’t been recognised with a full England cap.
If we are all honest, Danny Drinkwater is there (and good luck to him) on the back of Leicester’s astonishing season, but is he really better than West Ham’s Noble? What about the Hammers’ own astonishing season? Few considered them any better than midtable at the beginning of the season and now they are still in with a very real shout of a Champions League place. A team captained by Noble. Mr. West Ham himself.
Although you would expect that the 28-year-old wasn’t pinning his hopes on a call-up, you can imagine that some part of him was secretly hoping that his name would be among the 23. With some midfielders not exactly lighting up the Premier League this season – step forward James Milner and Jordan Henderson for starters – he must have thought he had a genuine chance.
What else does Noble have to do to be recognised by Roy Hodgson? Where is the recognition for any West Ham players again? The same could be said for others like Watford’s Troy Deeney. Give them a chance.
No Aaron Cresswell either. Over two seasons, Cresswell has become a name linked with the country’s best clubs, so he must be doing something right. He is consistently one of the top left backs this country has, but is always overlooked. Danny Rose at Spurs got the nod over Cresswell. Have West Ham done something to upset Mr Hodgson and the FA?
This cursory glance at West Ham, rather than an in depth look at what is on offer, is an insult. Someone give Woy’s guide dog a kick.
Anyway, apart the resilient Noble, who this weekend will enjoy a well earned testimonial, here are some other future England prospects at West Ham that have be overlooked…
Aaron Cresswell
From Tranmere to the Premier League, Cresswell was a revelation in his first season at Upton Park. ‘Big Sam’ bought him from Championship side Ipswich Town for the laughable fee of £3.75m and Cresswell was ever-present in West Ham’s defence – winning both the Hammer of the Year and Players’ Player of the Year awards.
The club then handed the 26 year old a new five-year contract, but still Cresswell appears to be ‘not good enough’ at international level. Chelsea and Manchester City have enquired about the player, but still nod from Woy.
Michail Antonio
There’s a radio advert about the Royal Navy – you’ve probably heard it. Following their line, Antonio was born in Wandsworth, but made by West Ham. Since his £7m capture from Nottingham Forest, the winger has lit up the club with his creativity, strength, goals, attitude and never say die spirit.
He is keeping Victor Moses out of the team at present and, to be honest, is a better player right now than Theo Walcott is. Antonio is West Ham’s second highest goalscorer this season and although it took time for him to break through, he has grabbed his chance and isn’t letting go.
More players like this are needed. Take note, Roy, you’ve got nobody like Antonio in your squad. He’d scare the life out of most European teams.
Sam Byram
It’s early days yet for the lad from Leeds, but surely he’s one for the future. His mature displays at right back mean that Slaven Bilic has got a star defender for years to come.
An absolute steal at £3.75m, the 22-year-old is fast becoming a fans’ favourite. Hodgson hasn’t given him a break, but the next England manager should look to Stratford and start taking note.
Reece Oxford
Another for the future, but the spotlight this season has certainly been on this 17-year-old. His debut against Arsenal on the first day of the season was beyond doubt one of class and distinction and There is already interest from other clubs, but Bilic has plans for the youngster and his future with the Hammers, and at full international level, should be beyond doubt.
Beyond doubt that is unless your the England manager or as dull-witted and as blind as a bat.
13 weeks out is a long time to be injured for a Premier League footballer. Whilst some argue that it is time wasted in the gym rather on the football pitch, recovery has to be done for any player to return ready for action once more.
But, some feel that time away from the game can allow a player to think about their game and possibly even work on their strengths and weaknesses. However, if Martin Skrtel’s performance against Southampton was anything to go by this weekend, he’s spent every single minute of his 13-week absence asleep.
Skrtel replaced Dejan Lovren at half time and unfortunately for the Slovakia international, this is when the game started to go downhill for the Reds – they shipped three goals to lose 3-2 having been 2-0 up.
It would be unfair to blame Skrtel entirely for Liverpool’s demise, but the long-serving defender looked a shadow of his former self on his return.
It was all a little strange on the South Coast. The Reds dominated in the first-half and despite only making three changes from the team that drew against Manchester United a matter of days before, Liverpool looked extremely fresh and dangerous, especially going forward. Daniel Sturridge, Philippe Coutinho, Adam Lallana, Joe Allen and Divock Origi all combined well and it resulted in a 2-0 half time lead. Job done many thought.
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But, back came Southampton and on came Skrtel. Unfortunately for the returning defender, Graziano Pelle also came into his own in the second 45 minutes, pulling the Anfielders’ backline all over the place. Skrtel hauled down the Southampton man four minutes after the restart and despite missing the penalty, the flaws were clear to see.
Slow, jaded and unfit were the words that came to mind. Also a severe lack of confidence. If you ask many what they think of Martin Skrtel the words ‘leader’, ‘beast’ and ‘passionate’ probably spring to mind. Yet all those traits looked absent as Liverpool’s performance began to fall apart.
Sadio Mane breezed past the Liverpool defender for the first and also missed a vital header in the run-up to the third. Both were glaring errors and pointed quite obviously to a lack of confidence and match-time.
He’s now in his ninth season at the club and recruting new blood looks like summer must for Jurgen Klopp. The German is not a manager that will shy away from making key decisions, nor will he hesitate if a summer overhaul is needed. This performances suggests Liverpool could be set for a stuttering end to the league campaign, despite ousting Manchester United from the Europa League with such ease.
Skrtel’s performance was peppered with basic errors and it’ll be worrying for the Liverpool faithful to see at this vital time. It’s safe to say that the Slovakian will probably be used a little more sparingly as the race for the final European places hot up – a vital few months for Klopp as the German attempts to stamp his own identify on his new club.
Jurgen, you’ve got a big job on your hands this summer.
Whilst Arsenal fans will have been celebrating on Sunday after pipping north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur to second spot in the Premier League, it’s certainly been a disappointing campaign for a side that anticipated so much from this season.
A campaign without trophies and another early exit from the Champions League is not what Arsenal wanted and the fact that next season’s Premier League campaign is going to be incredibly competitive means the Gunners can’t afford to sit on their hands this summer.
Arsenal do have the financial strength to compete, as long as Arsene Wenger pulls his finger out, and there’s no denying that the Gunners are a quality side that, with a few minor tweaks, have the capacity to contend amongst Europe’s big guns.
This summer is a massive test though and Arsenal certainly have to be proactive in the transfer market, landing some quality deals ahead of the summer.
Hit the image below to see FIVE summer signings Arsenal can’t afford to miss out on!
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Granit Xhaka
At the current time, it’s unthinkable that Granit Xhaka will start next season anywhere apart from Arsenal given the wealth of speculation being thrown about in the media. However, until the Gunners get this deal over the line there’s a risk everything could fall through.
With Mikel Arteta, Mathieu Flamini and Tomas Rosicky all saying their goodbyes this week, Arsenal are in need of upgrades in the midfield department and 23-year-old Xhaka would be an immediate boost to the squad, as well as providing a great platform for the years ahead.
Xhaka wants his future resolved before Switzerland’s Euro 2016 campaign kicks-off against Albania on June 11th, so there’s every chance a deal is imminent.
N’Golo Kante
Sticking with the midfield theme, another Euro 2016 star Arsenal have their sights set on is Leicester City’s formidable box-to-box ace N’Golo Kante. However, they’re joined in the market by some of Europe’s top sides.
Arsenal face a test to get this deal over the line but if they succeed it will be a major statement of intent, adding another high-profile signing to the Gunners ranks. He has the grit and steel that Arsenal’s midfield has been lacking in recent years, so it could well be a match made in heaven.
A main problem though is the fact Leicester City are intent on not selling and will demand a high price if that stance is to change.
Alvaro Morata
Alvaro Morata is likely to be on the move twice this summer, with Real Madrid ready to activate a buy-back clause in his deal with Juventus before selling to the highest bidder- and Arsenal want the Spaniard to lead their line.
Morata’s record in the past few years is strong and he could be the missing piece from Arsenal’s side, as support from Alexis Sanchez, Mesut Ozil and company could see the Spaniard reach a goal tally the Gunners haven’t seen since Thierry Henry was in his prime.
Again though, Arsenal face competition for his services but the fact they can offer Champions League football may be decisive.
Isco
Arsenal’s name has been linked with Isco for the past few years and it seems like there’s actually potential in completing a deal this summer and, if so, the Gunners cannot afford to pass up the opportunity of bringing the Spanish international to the Emirates.
With the capability of playing out-wide an in central midfield, the depth Isco can provide to Arsenal will be phenomenal and he is the ready-made replacement for an ageing Santi Cazorla. A potential attacking trio of Isco, Alexis and Ozil is definitely a frightening prospect.
Real Madrid may be ready to sell but that doesn’t mean Arsenal won’t face problems in this deal.
Kieran Tierney
A lower profile transfer target to the others in this list, 18-year-old Kieran Tierney is definitely one for the future and if Arsenal fail to get his signature, then they’re likely to see the teenager excel with a Premier League rival.
The Scottish full-back can be the understudy to the ageing Nacho Monreal on the left-side of defence, being stepping into the starting fold on a regular basis in the coming years. With Hector Bellerin on the other side, Arsenal have the opportunity to cement the wide areas of their defence for the next decade.
Celtic want to sign him down to a new deal though, whilst Arsenal face competition from sides like Liverpool for his services.
“Fortunes always hiding,” sing the West Ham fans at every Hammers game, but maybe not for much longer, as their fortunes begin to ascend to bigger and better.
The board’s own ambitions are now beginning to germinate at team level although they are still not in the same league financially as the top four or five.
Leicester have proved beyond doubt that anything is possible and now maybe West Ham fans need to let themselves dream that better times are heading for the East London club.
The signings that were made last summer, between the board and Bilic, were shrewd and have paid off when you consider the unheard of talents of Payet, Lanzini and Antonio and the emergence of Ogbonna as Italy’s centre half.
The next level is always tricky. Bilic has harmony within the squad and the balance that makes West Ham tick.
Who could West Ham recruit that will add rather than detract and that can enable them to regularly challenge the top four?
Here are five potential blockbuster signings the Hammers should target…
Zlatan Ibrahimovic
West Ham were looking into the possibility of bringing the Swede to the Olympic Park long before Manchester United had begun to take interest.
It was a sign of ambition, a sign of intent and a marquee signing to beat most. It is truly unlikely that Zlatan will want to move to West Ham, but stranger things have happened.
The man is a marmite figure. His arrogance and swagger cause many to dislike him, but he is a winner. At 34-years-old, he still has a knack for goals and his trophy cabinet at home is full of medals that point to a man that brings success whichever league he plays in.
If you are looking for a top signing, look no further.
Mario Gotze
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Gotze appears to be having a tough time of late and was often overlooked by Bayern Munich last season.
With Kingsley Coman and now Renato Sanches ahead of the ex-Dortmund player, it looks as though the Munich club are preparing for life without the Germany international.
Liverpool were said to be in the hunt, but that has gone quiet. In the Euros, Gotze seems uneasy in Loew’s false number nine position. This is a player of incredible guile and creative talent.
It seems obvious that he will need a move away to rejuvenate a stalling career, added to which Bilic and the West Ham fans will give him the love that this players needs to feel.
Yaya Toure
Almost certainly, Toure’s career at Manchester City is over with the arrival of Guardiola.
The Ivory Coast midfielder is a complete and versatile midfielder, who can play in several midfield positions and regarded as one of the best midfielders in the world.
His strengths lie in his passing range, vision, and physical ability. He is gifted with good technique and ball control, although he also excels defensively at breaking down opposing attacking plays and winning back possession through his powerful tackling ability.
Nolito
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The Celta Vigo winger is available and his release clause is just £13.8m.
Manchester City reportedly are pursuing the Spain international, but it was West Ham who jumped in first.
The 29-year-old, who is on duty with his country at Euro 2016, has yet to decide his future, with his former club Barcelona also interested in him.
Alexandre Lacazette
The on-off transfer saga continues unabated.
If The Hammers were able to land such a stellar striker, it would surely herald a new beginning for West Ham and send out the right kind of message to other potential recruits.
The player is said to want to play in the Champions League, although West Ham can at least offer European football and providing Payet stays, the striker has a player that he admires on the team.
A whirlwind of a summer transfer window has so far provided Premier League fans with some mouth-watering deals as some of the sport’s elite stars head to our shores.
While the Pogba, Zlatan and Gundogan transfers have all attracted the majority of media and fan attention, some of the lesser known stars that have made their way to the English game could also prove to be astute additions to the league – and last season was a perfect example of that.
Despite the likes of Bastian Schweinsteiger, Pedro and Nicolas Otamendi all moving to the Premier League for big money, it was in fact the lesser known recruits who performed so adeptly in the 2015/16 campaign. N’Golo Kante, Toby Alderweireld and Dimitri Payet, who collectively, were purchased for less money than Otamendi alone, were the true stars of one of the most incredible seasons in recent memory.
We take a look at 5 new underrated Premier League signings who could make a name for themselves in 2016/17…
Nampalys Mendy
Acquired for just £10 million, French midfielder Nampalys Mendy was recruited in the knowledge that N’Golo Kante would likely be leaving the Premier League Champions.
At just 24, Mendy is an accomplished player and has already been compared to compatriot and former Chelsea man Claude Makalele for his defensive efforts in the middle of the park.
If Mendy can perform anywhere near the level that N’Golo Kante reached last season, the Foxes may have found another world class talent.
Joel Matip
It is testament to the qualities and potential of Joel Matip that Jurgen Klopp made an immediate move for the defender as soon as it became clear Schalke would not offer him a new contract.
The 25-year-old has been a Bundesliga mainstay since the age of 18 and was one of the most underrated defenders in the German game.
The Cameroonian international may take a brief while to adapt to the intensity of the Premier League, but he is the perfect answer to Liverpool’s defensive frailties that have been blindingly obvious for some time.
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg
Little media fanfare was noticeable when Southampton announced the signing of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg from Bayern Munich. However, the Danish international could well be a key player for the Saints in their upcoming campaign.
At just 21, Hojbjerg is vastly experienced, having played over 20 games for Bayern and 17 for his country. If Claude Puel can get the best out of the young star, Southampton could have unearthed yet another gem.
Victor Wanyama
Finally, after two seasons of constant rumours and speculation, Victor Wanyama has joined a Spurs team whose future looks particularly bright under the tutelage of Mauricio Pochettino.
Wanyama has been one of the most dependable midfielder in the Premier League since his move to Southampton from Celtic. While he isn’t the most graceful or exciting footballer to watch, the Kenyan will be the perfect addition to a Tottenham midfield already littered with talent.
Nolito
Due to the sheer financial force of a club like Manchester City, £14 million spent on a player doesn’t generate the excitement of a player perhaps purchased for over £30 million.
However, Nolito has been bought to the Etihad for a reason and Pep Guardiola will know that his compatriot can fit into his system perfectly and contribute immensely.
The Spaniard may not be the most revered incoming at City this summer, but he could turn out to be the most prolific.
When Manchester United spent a world-record £89m pounds to bring Paul Pogba home, their fans had every right to be excited.
The Frenchman, who left United for just £800,000 in 2012, was a driving force in a Juventus side that won four consecutive Scudetti and reached the Champions League final in 2015.
However, Pogba hasn’t quite lived up to the price tag for his new club so far. Pogba has underwhelmed in a United shirt, particularly in last weekend’s Manchester derby, with pundits like Jamie Carragher criticizing his lack positioning and lack of discipline.
The slow start may not just be down to the midfielder though. A number of people have picked up on the fact that at Juventus, Pogba often had a sitting midfielder like Pirlo behind him along with a ball-winner like Marchisio or Khedira, allowing the Frenchman to roam forward and use his athleticism and powerful strike.
With that in mind, let’s look at five men who United should sign to partner Pogba…
TONI KROOS
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When considering players who can knock the ball around, there are few better than Toni Kroos.
Paul Scholes, a man who knows a thing or two about controlling the United midfield, recently said United need a player like Real Madrid’s Kroos or Luka Modric to partner the Frenchman.
While Modric would be a perfect fit having played in the league before, the German World Cup winner would probably be the cheaper option with a bid of around £30m likely to test Madrid’s resolve.
His price, coupled with the fact he is five years younger than the Croatian (Kroos is only 26) makes him the better choice to partner Pogba for years to come.
RUBEN NEVES
Having been a regular for Porto since he was 17, Ruben Neves has attracted a lot of interest from the top clubs over the past couple of years.
Primarily a holding midfielder but with an eye for a pass, the Portuguese would be excel in keeping United ticking while Pogba hunted for a goal.
Still at only 19, Mourinho may have concerns about trusting such a young player in an integral role. As Porto captain, however, Neves clearly has the mentality to succeed.
STEVEN N’ZONZI
While not a glamorous name, Steven N’Zonzi would provide the energy and steel in the middle of the park to allow Pogba to be more creative.
Despite struggling to adapt to Sevilla’s system in the first half of the season, N’Zonzi eventually became an integral part of their Europa League-winning campaign.
N’Zonzi would also have no trouble handling the pace and physicality of the Premier League after spells at Blackburn and Stoke, and has a buyout clause of only £21.5m.
MARCO VERRATTI
Arguably the man who would most suit a role next to Pogba, Verratti wouldn’t come cheap.
But with United clearly not averse to forking out, the Paris Saint-Germain and Italy midfielder would be well worth the money.
Likened to Pirlo for his passing range, Verratti is a lot more mobile and willing to hound opponents to get the ball back for his side.
Verratti also strikes you as a player in the Mourinho mould; able to anchor the midfield like Claude Makelele did for him at Chelsea, but also able to pick a pass like Thiago Motta and Xabi Alonso for his successful Inter and Real Madrid sides.
CESC FABREGAS
The final man on our list, Cesc Fabregas may well be the surprise answer to United’s predicament.
The Spaniard has been on the fringes for Chelsea so far this season, with rumours the Blues may be willing to allow him to leave the club.
While not a defensive player, Fabregas is one of the few players who would be able to emulate the Pirlo role with his superb passing and vision.
It would certainly require a tactical shift, with another ball-winning midfielder necessary to accommodate Fabregas and Pogba.
But if Fabregas was able to replicate his first season under Mourinho at Chelsea, where he managed 18 assists, United would be onto a winner.
For a number of years, Stoke have been forced to evolve to ensure their Premier League status remains in-tact.
Now their transfer dealings have seemingly hit their maximum capability it doesn’t look likely they can improve on additions made in previous transfer windows.
The thought of Stoke being relegated should not be entertained due to the quality they have, but Mark Hughes’ side look totally incapable and shot of confidence. An embarrassing 4-1 defeat away at Crystal Palace has raised the question whether Stoke have indeed reached the heights required by the owners, with the only way now being down.
Stoke’s latest Premier League loss this weekend at Crystal Palace saw manager Mark Hughes facing some intense pressure and serious speculation about his future. The club have kicked-off their campaign in the worst style since their return to the Premier League in 2008.
The Potters remain rock bottom of the division and even more worrying for the Stoke supporters, is the average of less than one point per game since the turn of the year, conceding more than four goals on six occasions since April.
Mark Hughes’ appointment in 2013 saw a change in style occur for the Potters, and they transformed themselves from playing a long ball, throw-in rifling, no nonsense style of football into a club that scoured many of Europe’s top leagues for the best young players capable of adapting to Hughes’ style of play.
Kenwyne Jones, Jermain Pennant and Jon Walters were the calibre of players required by Tony Pulis to obtain Premier League survival. Fast-paced wingers who had the potential to cause havoc on the counter-attack before delivering crucial crosses into their physical forward-line. Tony Pulis at his best!
Peter Coates, the Stoke Chairman, has dug deep into his pockets in recent years to ensure the Midlands side challenge at the higher end of the table. Xherdan Shaqiri became the most notable and impressive arrival when Inter Milan received £12million for the Swiss winger.
When you compare that to the previous record of £10million paid to Tottenham for Peter Crouch in 2011, it identifies the club’s ambition for the type of player they wish to chase.
Where next do Stoke look to improve their squad, though? The appeal to Stoke isn’t superior to that of Everton, Tottenham and Liverpool, who are all steeped in a history of success and major honours. Amazingly, they have convinced Shaqiri and Bojan (once dubbed Europe’s hottest prospects) to remain at the Bet 365 Arena, but both players had come with a point to prove after being deemed failures at some of Europe’s biggest clubs. Neither of whom were in red-hot form before they arrived and looked upon Stoke as a chance to re-build their careers.
Stoke will struggle to convince similar players to join the club as they simply do not have the appeal – even more so with the struggling form they are showing at the beginning of this season. Will Stoke convince major players at club’s such as Inter Milan, Bayer Leverkusen and Villarreal to swap it all for Stoke City? It’s not likely.
Wilfried Bony was signed on-loan from Manchester City after a turbulent 18 months under Manuel Pellegrini. Bony, with a point to prove, swapped Manchester for the Potters, but it’s only after a troubled spell came to an end. Stoke would not have been able to convince Bony to join the club unless his spell at City had not been so disastrous. Swansea would have laughed at Stoke had they came calling in January 2015 when the Ivorian left for Manchester City.
The Welshman had intended to improve his squad with a strong core of home-grown players, like Saido Berahino, but instead, after failing to negotiate deals for Nathan Redmond, Coates convinced Joe Allen to swap Liverpool’s bench for Stoke’s starting XI.
The evidence is clear that Stoke City have indeed come as far as possible in the transfer market. Will it be a matter of time before their luck runs out and a sense of failure begins to creep in?
They seem unable to convince the league’s best performers to sign for them and it’s seemingly likely that the club have reached their maximum potential.
Seamus Coleman scored his first goal for the Republic of Ireland yesterday against Georgia in rather unorthodox style.
The Everton full-back got the only goal in a 1-0 win after marauding down the right-hand side before finding himself in the box, where he somehow wriggled through a crowd and regained control of the ball after losing it several times and slotting home.
The goal caused amusement on Twitter, with more than one user comparing it to the kind of goal you’d see on a video game.
Others were shocked as to how easily Coleman cut a path through the Georgian defence in a similar manner to his attacking forays on Merseyside.
Of course, some took the Twitter just to congratulate Coleman and the boys on the win.
The goal was Coleman’s first in 40 appearances for his country, somewhat surprising for a man who knows where the net is for Everton.
The result puts Ireland fourth in Group D, although they are level on points with Wales, Serbia and Austria after a win and a draw in their opening two games.
Manchester City travel to South-London hoping to secure successive away victories for the first time since September.
Pep Guardiola must regather his players following the international break but to secure three points, he must ensure he selects a suitable team capable of overcoming an out of form Palace team.
City commenced the international break in disappointing fashion after dropping two points in the last minute to Middlesbrough. Guardiola can be disappointed with his side for their poor finishing, but their critics can not fault their control of the game.
Against Palace, Guardiola faces a team lacking in confidence having suffered three successive defeats before the break, losing in the last minute to Burnley.
Indeed, the task in-store remains a difficult challenge for Pep and his team, as Pardew will be keen to record a significant victory over his Spanish counterpart.
After much discussion, this is the necessary starting XI Guardiola must pick to ensure success at Selhurst Park…
GK: Claudio Bravo
Bravo arrived in England facing the unenviable task of replacing an English player. With that, criticism fell upon the shoulders of the Chile international, but he has overcome any doubters in recent weeks following a slow start.
Against Palace, he will be pressed high by the opposition forwards keen to force him into a mistake. However, given space on the ball, Bravo may prove a pivotal point of City’s attacking nature in south London.
CB: John Stones
New-signing Stones has slotted into Guardiola’s team like a duck to water. Much criticism fell upon the England defender following his big-money move, but he continues to prove any doubters wrong.
Stones is the ideal Guardiola player and his ability on the ball will be decisive for City against this out-of-form Palace team trying to play between the lines.
Palace are expected to press high so Stones must ensure his game is faultless in terms of passing.
CB: Vincent Kompany
To say City are cautious over the return of Kompany would be an enormous understatement. The defender’s injury record borders embarrassing and City are likely to give their captain a first-team chance this weekend.
Otamendi is liable to be dropped following his matches for Argentina during the break while Kompany didn’t feature for Belgium.
Kompany will come up against compatriot Benteke faced with the battle of stopping the forward scoring against the Blues.
CB: Aleksandar Kolarov
It’s pretty remarkable Kolarov is still at Manchester City as the left-back was expected to depart the club following Guardiola’s arrival.
Instead, the Serbian has been nothing short of impressive as he continues to feature weekly for the Spaniard. Kolarov is likely to face tricky opposition in Palace with their pacey wingers the type of play Kolarov fears playing against in the Eagles.
If Kolarov isn’t on top of his game, this could be a brutal performance to behold for the Etihad faithful.
DM: Fernandinho
Faultless is possibly the only word to describe Fernandinho’s season. The Brazil international is the only player to start every Premier League game for Guardiola thus far in 16/17, and his presence at Palace may be critical for the Citizen’s chance of achieving a victory.
Fernandinho has become the engine of City’s success, and he must ensure McArthur and Ledley do not overrun him in midfield for the battle for domination.
CM: Ilkay Gundogan
If there were an award for the bargain of the summer, Gundogan’s name would be at the forefront of the list. His impact on this side cannot be critiqued in any way.
Gundogan’s flexibility has proven a major success story, and at Selhurst Park, Guardiola will need his new German signing to produce yet another world-class performance.
Goals and assists have already been an improvement witnessed by everyone and one on Saturday would be widely welcomed.
CM: Kevin De Bruyne
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If his performance against Barcelona weren’t already proof enough, then nothing would convince Guardiola to keep De Bruyne centrally.
The Belgian’s impact through the middle is far superior to that when played in a wider role. With a fully-fit squad to choose from, Guardiola must decide whether to play his talisman in midfield.
De Bruyne is going to be identified as City’s star man and may find himself man-marked out of the game. Well, Palace can try at least.
CM: David Silva
Like a fine wine, David Silva seems to get better with age. Merlin, as he is nicknamed by the City faithful, his performances in recent weeks, cannot be faulted as he continues to be the master at unlocking stern opposition defences.
Silva showed last January when the club’s met that he can be unplayable at times and if he his granted the freedom to hurt Palace, City could run riot at Selhurst Park.
RW: Raheem Sterling
Remember when Liverpool fans considered Jordan Ibe a better prospect following Sterling’s move to City? Well, he has defied any doubters of his ability this campaign being City’s best attacking player on a weekly basis.
Palace’s slow full-backs may need to ponder a question or two regarding stopping Sterling from damaging them in front of goal like has successfully done all campaign.
If Sterling his on his A game, then Palace could be in for a long match.
LW: Nolito
Remove his silly head-butting and Nolito’s contribution to City’s success can only be admired supporters. The Spanish international has watched on from the bench following his red card against Bournemouth in September but Guardiola should finally re-install his compatriot.
Crucial goals from the Spaniard have elevated City to title contenders and Palace may prove the perfect opposition for him to expand on his impressive goal-scoring streak.
It’s a no-brainer Pep!
ST: Sergio Aguero
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Believe it or not, there was once a time this season when Sergio Aguero was considered unhappy and out of form. Despite this, the Argentine has still clocked up 14 goals in just 17 games already this season.
Aguero’s record against Palace means he will go to Selhurst Park full of confidence.
The Argentine has scored three goals in his last two Premier League games and starting him shouldn’t even be a doubt if the forward is fit.