The Manchester City Lineup That Should Start Against Leeds

Manchester City travel to Elland Road to face Leeds United for their fifth appearance of the new season.

The Premier League campaign has not gone as planned for Pep Guardiola, with last weekend's home thumping at the hands of Leicester City still very much fresh in everyone's mind. The victories over Bournemouth and Burnley in the Carabao Cup were encouraging, but this is a different prospect.

Raheem Sterling and Ferran Torres found the net on Wednesday / PAUL ELLIS/Getty Images

The Cityzens come up against a confident Leeds side who currently reside in seventh place, having won their previous two fixtures. Last season's second tier champions will hold hopes of pulling off an upset on Saturday.

Here is the side that Guardiola could name to start at Elland Road.

1. Goalkeeper and Defenders

Dias arrived from Benfica on Tuesday / Gualter Fatia/Getty Images

Ederson (GK) - The Brazilian is just two games off his 300th professional appearance.

Kyle Walker (RB) - With Joao Cancelo sidelined, Kyle Walker should keep his place. The former Spurs man came under some criticism for his performance last time out.

Ruben Dias (CB) - The Portuguese defender was signed for an astronomical fee last Tuesday, and could go straight into the starting XI after last weekend's defensive calamity.

Aymeric Laporte (CB) - Despite being widely regarded as City's best defender, Laporte is yet to make a league appearance this term. Expect that to change this weekend.

Benjamin Mendy (LB) - Mendy will know all about opposing boss Marcelo Bielsa, having worked with the Argentine at Marseille.

2. Midfielders

De Bruyne was voted UEFA Midfielder of the Year / Pool/Getty Images

Rodri (CM) - With Ilkay Gundogan out of contention, Rodri will likely start again. The Spaniard has made 56 appearances since coming to the Etihad last summer, scoring four times.

Fernandinho (CM) - Having operated in an unfamiliar centre-back role throughout last season, Fernandinho is back to playing as a defensive midfielder this term.

Kevin De Bruyne (CM) - The Belgian will go into this game in high spirits, having been named UEFA Midfielder of the Year on Thursday.

3. Forward

Sterling scored a brace in the Carabao Cup / Pool/Getty Images

Riyad Mahrez (RW) - The 29-year-old was arguably the only one to come away from the Leicester game with his head held high, scoring a beauty and registering an assist.

Raheem Sterling (ST) - With Sergio Aguero and Gabriel Jesus both out injured, Sterling will likely deputise up front again. The Englishman has netted 91 times under Pep Guardiola.

Ferran Torres (LW) - Fresh from his goal against Burnley in mid-week, the summer acquisition could be in line for his first Premier League start.