The Manchester City lineup that should start against Chelsea

Who should start the Champions League final?
Who should start the Champions League final? / Chloe Knott - Danehouse/Getty Images
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Manchester City will look to make history this weekend when they face Chelsea in the UEFA Champions League final for the first time ever.

Pep Guardiola's side have enjoyed a truly brilliant season, winning the Premier League and Carabao Cup as well as reaching the FA Cup semi-finals.

With a fully fit squad to choose from, City have plenty of options to choose from for this final, so here's how we think they should line up.


1. Goalkeeper and defenders

Ruben Dias
Dias was the stand-out defender in Europe this season / Chloe Knott - Danehouse/Getty Images

Ederson (GK) - The undisputed number one goalkeeper at the club, he 100% starts.

Kyle Walker (RB) - Quick, strong and great on the ball, Walker's pace will be key to shutting down Chelsea's counter-attacks.

John Stones (CB) - A brilliant campaign should be topped off with a start in the final.

Ruben Dias (CB) - The Portuguese defender was arguably the best in Europe this season and if he's fit he will undoubtedly start.

Oleksandr Zinchenko (LB) - Arguably the toughest decision Guardiola will have to make is between Joao Cancelo and Zinchenko, but the fact the Ukrainian is a natural left-footer may mean he'll get the nod.


2. Midfielders

Ilkay Gundogan
Gundogan is City's top scorer this season / Alex Grimm/Getty Images

Rodri (DM) - Rodri's best season in a blue shirt was this season and he's really stepped up into Fernandinho's role. He should get the nod in the holding role once again here.

Bernardo Silva (CM) - Naturally a right-winger, Silva's best performances this season have come more centrally, and he should continue in that role with his energy and work-rate key to winning the ball back quickly.

Ilkay Gundogan (CM) - City's top goalscorer this season, the German central midfielder has enjoyed a more advanced role this year. The midfield spot is his to lose and he deserves to start again.


3. Forwards

Riyad Mahrez, Kevin De Bruyne, Phil Foden
A fearsome front three / Pool/Getty Images

Riyad Mahrez (RW) - The former Leicester man has scored key goals in the quarter-finals and semi-finals of this competition, and his overall form this season has earned him a spot for the final.

Kevin De Bruyne (CF) - The most important player at the club, he has made this false-nine role his own in the big games and will have extra motivation against his former club. Guaranteed starter.

Phil Foden (LW) - A huge breakthrough campaign for the 20-year-old has seen him slot into the starting lineup seamlessly, and he should stay there for this game.