Right-midfielder: Riyad Mahrez (Manchester City)
![<a href='https://www.sportskeeda.com/player/riyad-mahrez' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer'>Riyad Mahrez</a> was a key player for City in their last UCL run to the finals](https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2021/09/d1f82-16328095402098-800.jpg?w=190 190w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2021/09/d1f82-16328095402098-800.jpg?w=720 720w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2021/09/d1f82-16328095402098-800.jpg?w=640 640w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2021/09/d1f82-16328095402098-800.jpg?w=1045 1045w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2021/09/d1f82-16328095402098-800.jpg?w=1200 1200w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2021/09/d1f82-16328095402098-800.jpg?w=1460 1460w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2021/09/d1f82-16328095402098-800.jpg?w=1600 1600w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2021/09/d1f82-16328095402098-800.jpg 1920w)
Riyad Mahrez has been on the fringes so far in the 2021-22 season, but don't let that eclipse the fact that he's still a top-class winger. The Algerian was arguably their best player in the run-up to the Champions League finals last season. He netted some important goals along the way, including three against PSG.
A quick, creative, and technically gifted player with incredible balance and a turn of pace, Mahrez is also a prolific creator. He is capable of producing a chance out of nothing with one brilliant cross or a defense-splitting pass. Last season alone, he made nine assists across all competitions.
The 30-year-old's match-winning ability and prowess in big games merits his inclusion over many other stars such as Raheem Sterling and Phil Foden. Regardless of his limited playing time so far, he might come into the XI with Guardiola trusting the former Leicester City man to step up once again.
Defensive midfielder: Fernandinho (Manchester City)
![The Brazilian is brings so much balance to his side, acting as a nexus between the defense and attack](https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2021/09/43bb0-16327527121682-800.jpg?w=190 190w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2021/09/43bb0-16327527121682-800.jpg?w=720 720w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2021/09/43bb0-16327527121682-800.jpg?w=640 640w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2021/09/43bb0-16327527121682-800.jpg?w=1045 1045w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2021/09/43bb0-16327527121682-800.jpg?w=1200 1200w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2021/09/43bb0-16327527121682-800.jpg?w=1460 1460w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2021/09/43bb0-16327527121682-800.jpg?w=1600 1600w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2021/09/43bb0-16327527121682-800.jpg 1920w)
Fernandinho may no longer be the reckoning force in midfield he once was, but the Brazilian is still important to Guardiola's plans. He's their battering ram tasked with breaking down opposition attacks, whilst providing excellent cover for the back-four.
A defensive midfielder with a box-to-box style of play, the 36-year-old's expansive passing range allows him to create goalscoring opportunities too. He also chips in with an odd goal or two.
He signed a new one-year contract in the summer and is probably playing his final season with the Sky Blues, so will be looking to bow out on a high.
Left-midfielder: Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City)
![De Bruyne playmaking skills are going to be immense against a side like PSG](https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2021/09/efa84-16327526230034-800.jpg?w=190 190w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2021/09/efa84-16327526230034-800.jpg?w=720 720w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2021/09/efa84-16327526230034-800.jpg?w=640 640w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2021/09/efa84-16327526230034-800.jpg?w=1045 1045w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2021/09/efa84-16327526230034-800.jpg?w=1200 1200w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2021/09/efa84-16327526230034-800.jpg?w=1460 1460w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2021/09/efa84-16327526230034-800.jpg?w=1600 1600w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2021/09/efa84-16327526230034-800.jpg 1920w)
The Premier League's best playmaker by a mile, Kevin De Bruyne, has broken records by the dozens since joining Manchester City in 2015.
Despite a good first season under Manuel Pellegrini, the Belgian only got better under Guardiola. He has become the chief driving factor behind everything the side has accomplished in the last five years.
Widely described as a 'complete' player for his all-round abilities, De Bruyne's creative skills are a cut above the rest. He packs technique, skill, athleticism, ball-control, vision and a proficient crossing ability.
He's a natural set-piece taker too, delivering excellent free-kicks and corners, whilst scoring directly from dead-ball too sometimes. De Bruyne has scored thrice in four games against PSG, a record he'll be looking to polish further on Tuesday.