Team news:
Willy Caballero gets the nod over Joe Hart for the opening game of the season as Pep Guardiola’s eagerly-anticipated starting XI is revealed.
John Stones makes his City debut with Raheem Sterling and Sergio Aguero joining our other debutant Nolito up front.
Starting XI: Caballero, Sagna, Stones, Kolarov, Clichy, Fernandinho, De Bruyne, Silva, Nolito, Sterling, Aguero
Subs: Hart, Zabaleta, Fernando, Navas, Delph, Otamendi, Iheanacho
Possible formation:
Not easy to predict!
It will be interesting to see who partners Stones in central defence with Fernandinho a possibility - but with three recognised full-backs it could be Aleks Kolarov - unless Stones is flanked by Bacary Sagna and Gael Clichy and the Serbian is employed elsewhere.
Much will be only guesswork for the first game and whatever the formation is it will be fluid and probably shift throughout the game.
Two No.10s?
With Nolito and Sterling likely to play down either flank, will David Silva and Kevin De Bruyne play a duel No.10 role against the Black Cats? It could be a devastating combination that - if it turns out to be one of the Blues’ options this season - could see Sergio Aguero presented with perhaps more opportunities than he’s ever had before at City.
Expect..
Intensity and plenty of possession - and watch out for City play without the ball with Guardiola’s reputation for getting his teams to win the ball back as quickly as possible. Fasten your seatbelts!.
