Kelechi Iheanacho backed for first Man City start under Guardiola

Our writers have picked their Manchester City XIs to start against Steaua Bucharest this evening.

 

Stuart Brennan's Manchester City team to take on Steaua Bucharest

Stuart Brennan

Pep Guardiola says he will field a team that shows respect to the opposition – but that doesn't mean he can't give a run-out to players who need minutes and even give a couple of kids a run-out.
Players like Fernando, Fabian Delph and Jesus Navas wll all benefit from the minutes under their belts, and with Bacary Sagna apparently still injured, it would do no harm for Pablo Maffeo to be given a debut at right back.
Kelechi Iheanacho , with Sergio Aguero on the bench, is also a no-brainer.
Not that City can afford to be too lax – they will want to win in front of their own fans, but Pep can afford to have one eye on Sunday's clash with West Ham.
Also, I don't see the point of being churlish – give Hart and Yaya a game, at least.
Stu's XI: Hart, Maffeo, Stones, Adarabioyo, Angelino, Delph, Navas, De Bruyne, Toure, Nolito, Iheanacho

Simon Bajkowski

City's start to the season - and particularly the 5-0 thumping in Romania - have earned Pep Guardiola a free game. He will not be taking the night off but any XI from that squad should be capable of avoiding defeat by more than five goals.
Wednesday's game represents a prime chance to play a mix of youngsters and squad players looking for game time and fringe players you are looking for fees for.
Should some of these players be heading for the exit door, Wednesday's game would at least given them the chance to bid farewell to the City supporters. If fit, it would also be ideal to ease Leroy Sane in from the bench.
Simon's XI: Hart, Maffeo, Mangala, Adarabioyo, Angelino, Delph, Fernando, Toure, Nasri, Navas, Iheanacho