Manchester City's 2022/23 campaign has been historical, with the club securing a treble by winning the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League. The Citizens became the second English team to reach this achievement after Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United.
The summer following the successful season saw the departure of key players such as Ilkay Gundogan, Aymeric Laporte, Riyad Mahrez, and Cole Palmer, leaving Pep Guardiola's side vulnerable and lacking in depth.
To address these gaps, City made several notable signings. They brought Mateo Kovacic from Chelsea to bolster the midfield, while signed Croatian defender Josko Gvardiol for a significant fee to strengthen the defense.
In attack, highly-rated Belgian winger Jeremy Doku was acquired from Rennes to replace outgoing players Riyad Mahrez and Cole Palmer.
Additionally, City star Kevin De Bruyne was sidelined for a long term due to injury, and the club invested in Portuguese midfielder Matheus Nunes from Wolves to enhance their midfield options.
After facing challenges at the beginning of the 2023/24 season, Manchester City appears to have regained their top form in 2024. The return of Kevin De Bruyne to the lineup has had a notable impact on the team's morale and their drive to achieve improved outcomes.
Guardiola's side has frequently demonstrated their ability to consistently achieve remarkable successes, and the upcoming year would be no different.
Below, VbetNews takes a look at how Manchester City should line up for the majority of their Premier League and European Cup matches in 2024-25:
How Manchester City should line up for 2024/25
GK: Ederson
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Ederson continues to solidify his status not just as one of the Premier League's finest goalkeepers, but also as one of the elite keepers globally.
Since joining Manchester City in 2017, the Brazilian has played a key role in the club's rise to prominence. His remarkable contributions have been instrumental in City's success, leading them to clinch numerous domestic cups, including five Premier League titles, as well as prestigious trophies like the Champions League and the Club World Cup.
In a recent milestone, Ederson made history by securing his 110th Premier League clean sheet during the match against Bournemouth, surpassing Joe Hart's record for Manchester City.
RB: Kyle Walker
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Sheffield United academy graduate Kyle Walker appeared to have found his ideal fit in 2017 following stints at other Premier League clubs like Tottenham and Aston Villa.
It was upon joining Manchester City that the defender truly hit his peak form, becoming an integral part of the team's recent string of successes.
In the ongoing 2023/24 season, Walker has featured in 34 matches across all competitions, contributing three assists to his team's cause. His consistent performances have been vital in City's pursuit of trophies and further solidify his importance to the squad.
CB: Ruben Dias
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Ruben Dias's arrival at the Etihad Stadium proved to be a resounding success for Pep Guardiola's side. Since joining the Citizens in the summer of 2020, the Portuguese defender has established himself as one of the premier players in England's top flight.
Dias played a crucial role in City's triumphant campaigns, contributing significantly to their last three Premier League titles, as well as their historic victories in the Champions League and the Club World Cup. Remarkably, in his debut season at the club, he earned recognition as Manchester City's Player of the Year and was honored with the FWA Footballer of the Year award for the 2020/21 season.
Continuing to be a cornerstone of the City team, Dias consistently features as a starter in most fixtures, demonstrating his enduring importance to Guardiola's plans.
CB: Nathan Ake
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Nathan Ake was another footballer who made the move to Pep Guardiola's Manchester City in 2020. While his adaptation took some time, it ultimately proved to be worth the effort.
Initially, Ake faced challenges in breaking into the Citizens' first-team squad, but through perseverance and hard work, he eventually reached his peak form. Now, it's difficult to envision City's success without his valuable contributions.
A key figure in City's historic treble, Ake was there in the club's remarkable achievements. His impact on the team's success cannot be overstated.
LB: Josko Gvardiol
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Since his arrival at Manchester City in the summer of 2023, Josko Gvardiol, the club's record signing, has yet to fully showcase his talents at the Premier League club.
His first year has primarily been focused on adaptation, a process that he is gradually navigating. We expect that he will be in a stronger position as he enters the 2024/25 campaign under the guidance of Pep Guardiola.
In the 2023/24 current season, Gvardiol has appeared in 27 matches across all competitions, contributing one assist for his team.
CM: Lucas Paqueta
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Manchester City still hold a keen interest in signing West Ham and Brazil national team standout Lucas Paqueta for a potential transfer.
Although they came close to completing the deal last summer, City withdrew their interest due to an investigation by the Football Association (FA) into potential breaches of betting rules involving the midfielder. However, they may have better luck in their pursuit this time around.
Paqueta's versatility extends to multiple midfield positions, such as attacking midfield and box-to-box midfield. This adaptability offers Guardiola greater tactical flexibility and a wider range of midfield options.
CM: Rodri
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Rodri consistently demonstrates his knack for being in the right place at the right time whenever Manchester City requires him.
The Spaniard's significant impact on the squad became apparent following Ilkay Gundogan's departure and Kevin De Bruyne's prolonged injury absence. Considered the linchpin of the team, City suffered defeats in four matches during Rodri's absence, while victories were celebrated when he was on the field.
Regarded as one of the world's premier midfielders, Rodri serves as a pivotal figure both on the Etihad pitch and within the dressing room, with the team heavily relying on his presence.
CM: Kevin De Bruyne
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Manchester City's success in recent years can be attributed not only to Pep Guardiola's managerial prowess but also to the significant contributions of stars like Kevin De Bruyne.
The team faced considerable challenges during De Bruyne's injury spells, underscoring his immense influence and contribution to the team.
As a leader on the pitch, De Bruyne sets the tempo of the game and motivates his teammates. His absence often leads to a noticeable void in leadership, hence his influence is great on the team's overall performance.
LW: Phil Foden
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Despite his young age, Phil Foden has showcased his talent on significant platforms, aiding Manchester City's triumphs in both domestic and European tournaments.
In the latest fixtures of the 2023/24 season, Foden has regained his top form and is striving to secure a spot in Guardiola's starting lineup.
As he matures, Foden is expected to play a more prominent role in molding the team's playing style and contributing to future accomplishments.
RW: Bernardo Silva
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Bernardo Silva is a versatile player in Pep Guardiola's squad, demonstrating proficiency in both defensive and offensive roles across different scenarios.
Speculation surrounding his potential departure from Manchester City has intensified over the last two seasons, with Barcelona expressing strong interest in securing his signature.
The question of Silva's continuation with the City team in the upcoming 2024/25 season remains uncertain, with his starting position in the XI potentially in doubt only if he opts to depart the club.
CF: Erling Haaland
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Erling Haaland had a phenomenal debut season at Manchester City, shining both individually and as part of the team. The forward emerged as Pep Guardiola's key player in securing the historic treble during the 2022/23 campaign.
Meanwhile, the Norway international's remarkable goal-scoring prowess earned him accolades such as the Premier League Golden Boot, European Golden Shoe, and the Gerd Müller Trophy. Additionally, he was named UEFA Men's Player of the Year and IFFHS World's Best Player, while also finishing as the runner-up in the Ballon d'Or.
Although Haaland faced occasional fitness setbacks in the ongoing 2023/24 season, he will surely return to peak form and continue striving for success soon.
Bench: Ortega, Akanji, Stones, Lewis, Nunes, Neves, Doku, Grealish, Bobb, Alvarez
Manchester City lineup, starting XI for the 2024-25 season
How Manchester City could line up in 2024/25 season
Manchester City 2024/25 squad
Goalkeepers
- 31 Ederson
- 18 Stefan Ortega
- 33 Scott Carson
Defenders
- 3 Rúben Dias
- 24 Josko Gvardiol
- 25 Manuel Akanji
- 6 Nathan Aké
- 5 John Stones
- 21 Sergio Gómez
- 82 Rico Lewis
- 2 Kyle Walker
Midfielders
- 16 Rodri
- 27 Matheus Nunes
- 8 Mateo Kovacic
- 20 Bernardo Silva
- 17 Kevin De Bruyne
Attackers
- 10 Jack Grealish
- 11 Jérémy Doku
- 47 Phil Foden
- 52 Oscar Bobb
- 19 Julián Álvarez
- 9 Erling Haaland
Manchester United 2024/25 transfers
Manchester City 2024/25 transfers IN
Manchester City have already secured their first transfer for the 2024-25 campaign, signing 19-year-old talent Savio, who currently plays on loan at Girona and will make a move to Etihad on July 1, 2024.
- Savio (from Troyes) - 100%
- Lucas Paqueta (from West Ham) - 60%
- Florian Wirtz(Bayer Leverkusen) - 55%
- Joshua Kimmich (from Bayern Munich) - 50%
- Joao Neves (from Benfica) - 40%
Manchester City 2024/25 transfers OUT
- Scott Carson (Contract Expiry): Jun 30, 2024 - 100%
- Joao Cancelo (Permanent transfer) - 80%
Which players are likely to leave Manchester City?
As of the current situation, one player from Manchester City is set to leave Etihad by the end of the 2023/24 season.
Goalkeeper Scott Carson's current deal expires this summer, which could eventually see him quit the club.
Joao Cancelo, who is currently playing on loan at Barcelona, could also be on his way out of the Premier League side on a permanent basis.