Riyad Mahrez and Jack Grealish give Pep Guardiola derby decision as Gabriel Jesus draws blank

An FA Cup fifth-round assignment at Championship strugglers Peterborough United didn’t really feel like ideal preparation for 187th Manchester derby.

Having said that, Manchester City faced a team packing defenders behind the ball and relying on punted balls in the general direction of pacey attackers.

So, you know, insert your own joke.

Pep Guardiola’s starting front three did feel significant in terms of the weekend, however. Gabriel Jesus and Jack Grealish returned to the starting line-up for the first time since injury lay-offs, joining Riyad Mahrez in attack.

Raheem Sterling and Phil Foden - who was handed a rare midfield outing in Tuesday's 2-0 win - feel like lock-ins for the derby, meaning Jesus, Grealish and Mahrez are effectively battling it out for one spot.

Let’s have a look at how each of them made their case.

Gabriel Jesus

Guardiola has frequently lauded Jesus’ ability to press from the front and he offered an early demonstration, intercepting a clearance from dawdling Posh goalkeeper Steven Benda.

Unfortunately for Jesus, who last scored in the Premier League in September, he couldn't ask any further questions of Benda before the break. He was unable to bring down a raking Joao Cancelo pass and get an acrobatic attempt off in first-half stoppage time.

The same combination linked up in the 50th minute, although the cross was too high and Jesus could only head harmlessly over.

He came closer in the 67th minute as Foden slid a measured ball into his path. Jesus used his strength to turn his marker but Benda saved with his legs.

The Brazilian performed in a typically tireless fashion but goals from each of his attack colleagues mean bench duty on Sunday feels very likely.

Jack Grealish

The Peterborough