Pep Guardiola shows his first-choice Man City XI with Phil Foden decision vs Arsenal

First choice XI for new season

Pep Guardiola said that the pre-season tour in Asia was the 'best possible preparation' for the new season in his Community Shield programme notes, while admitting that the Manchester City squad still need to get some more sharpness into their legs. The starting XI at Wembley reflected the fitter players from the tour, with Kevin De Bruyne on the bench after not playing in Japan or Korea. Nathan Ake wasn't risked after his injury and new signing Josko Gvardiol wasn't in the squad either.

The only surprise in the side facing Arsenal was Phil Foden's place on the bench, with the rest of the XI picking itself. When the Premier League defence starts at Turf Moor, Ederson will return in place of cup goalkeeper Stefan Ortega. When De Bruyne and Ake are fit, they presumably replace Julian Alvarez and Manu Akanji.

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That leaves a strong squad and a first-choice starting XI that will defend the treble. With Gvardiol to come in, Aymeric Laporte still an option, and Foden to add energy, there is a squad that can compete with anyone. The only question mark is whether it lacks enough depth, especially if more players leave. On the Arsenal evidence, City have a more-than-capable group of 16 or 17 players who can rotate in and out. Any additions, with Guardiola suggesting City aren't done in the transfer window, would only make a strong group stronger.

Foden put in his place

Guardiola publicly told Foden that he still has plenty to learn, especially defensively, when it comes to playing in midfield on Friday. On Sunday he was on the bench, despite three encouraging midfield outings in pre-season, as Guardiola