Three imperfect ways Man City can line up with Phil Foden and Kevin De Bruyne

There's a dilemma on the horizon for Pep Guardiola to start 2024.

He has successfully navigated a hectic November and December schedule, despite a blip in form, to emerge as World Champions and back on the front foot in the title race. City have key players coming back, with the likes of Phil Foden and Julian Alvarez stepping up to minimise the absences of Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland.

But that presents a problem that Guardiola must solve. De Bruyne and Haaland walk back into the side when fit, but that means displacing the in-form duo who fired City to World Champion status. At least two of those players will have to play out of position in 2024. Or not play at all.

ALSO READ: What Erling Haaland told Rodri about his early Man City doubts after signing

ALSO READ: Man City's Erling Haaland hits back at Jamie Carragher criticism after record-breaking 2023

The number nine position is relatively simple. For all of Alvarez's progress in Haaland's absence, the Norwegian starts ahead of him when fit. Alvarez has played at number ten for most of the season, and will surely play there as an alternative for the rest of the season. He has proven himself as more than a back-up, and means City won't have to rely on Haaland for the rest of the season.

Alvarez's chance of game-time is likely to come more at number ten, but then that is true of Foden and also De Bruyne. The Belgian's best position is at the top of midfield behind Haaland - right where Foden has impressed recently behind Alvarez. City's strongest midfield when everyone is fit is surely Rodri, Bernardo Silva, and De Bruyne.

So after all Foden's progress in recent weeks, he may suddenly find himself in a position where he barely plays as the designated number