Manchester City's predicted XI for 2018/19 season

Defenders

John Stones

Keeping in mind that Stones played a substantial part in England team, Pep will be keen on resting Stones for the initial start of the campaign. Having been more effective through set pieces, scoring 2 goals with a header, Pep will be keen on making him play more minutes and is more likey to replace Otamendi at the back who at times has looked vulnerable and too offensive.

John Stones

Stones did not play a major part of the last season due to his injury but has become more composed ever since the World Cup campaign, giving a major boost to Pep.

With Kompany injury prone, Pep won't risk playing him from the first go and keep him reserved for crucial matches.

Aymeric Laporte/ Nicolas Otamendi

Aymeric Laporte

Having missed out on representing the French National team at the World cup, Laporte will be hoping to start the season right from the very first match. Laporte looked decisive during his short time at the Etihad and will be hoping to improve in the coming season.

Being solid at the back, it seems likely that Otamendi will start the season from the first match itself. Having scored some crucial goals last campaign, he will be hoping to continue his form in the upcoming campaign. Otamendi completed the most number of successful passes by a defender in the last campaign and Pep will not be in a mood to drop him in their first match against Arsenal.