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Manchester City to jet off for Spanish training camp just hours after first Premier League game of the season

Pep Guardiola will take his squad to Spain for a four-day stay which will include a friendly against La Liga debutants Girona shortly after the face Brighton in the Premier League

Tuesday 01 August 2017 07:33 BST

Pep Guardiola is set to take his side to Spain after their first Premier League game (AFP)

Pep Guardiola is set to take his Manchester City squad to a training camp in Spain less than a day after the start of their Premier League season.

The former Barcelona boss will return to his homeland for a four-day stay - which includes a friendly against La Liga debutants Girona - just hours after kicking off their campaign at newcomers Brighton on August 12.

City say it is a chance for Guardiola to work with the full squad as some players missed the pre-season trip to the United States.

How could Manchester City line up this season?

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1/11How could Manchester City line up this season?

How could Manchester City line up this season?

Ederson

Arguably the best goalkeeper in the Premier League. Ederson’s prowess with the ball at his feet is so well-documented, his other attributes can be overlooked. Relied upon to produce big saves despite long periods of inactivity.

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How could Manchester City line up this season?

Joao Cancelo

Expected to join from Juventus and provide competition for Kyle Walker. An attacking, aggressive full-back, Cancelo is precisely what Guardiola looks for in one of his key positions.

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How could Manchester City line up this season?

Fernandinho

Following Vincent Kompany's departure and no new centre-half signing, Fernandinho may be relied upon in a more reserved role, right at the heart of City's defence rather than their midfield.

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How could Manchester City line up this season?

Aymeric Laporte

Emerged as City’s undisputed first-choice centre-half in his first full season at the Etihad and widely considered the best in the league behind Virgil van Dijk. His ability to move across to left-back when Guardiola requires more protection is a useful asset.

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How could Manchester City line up this season?

Oleksandr Zinchenko

The surprise success story of last year. Guardiola was delighted with Zinchenko’s attitude and application as a makeshift left-back. The Ukrainian rarely, if ever, let City down. While Benjamin Mendy has much to prove, Zinchenko is now an established starter.

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How could Manchester City line up this season?

Rodri

The long-awaited successor to Fernandinho has finally arrived. Rodri brings with him an ability to read the game and dictate play from deep. Often compared to Sergio Busquets, he is a holding midfielder in Guardiola’s own image.

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How could Manchester City line up this season?

Bernardo Silva

City’s player of the season in his sophomore year. Stepped out of the shadows and seemed to have telling impact in almost every game he played. Has definitively moved ahead of namesake David in the pecking order.

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How could Manchester City line up this season?

Kevin De Bruyne

Last year was a frustrating one for De Bruyne, with injury after injury limiting his number of appearances. Fortunately, those knee and muscular problems are not expected to haunt him and this coming season could see a return to form.

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How could Manchester City line up this season?

Raheem Sterling

Commended for his performances on the pitch and the public stances he has taken off it, Sterling has never been more important to City. Perhaps the biggest single beneficiary of Guardiola’s coaching.

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How could Manchester City line up this season?

Sergio Aguero

A convert to Guardiola’s methods, Aguero has become a more complete player without losing any of his scoring capacity. Last season was one of his finest, and there is no reason why he should not maintain that high standard this year.

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How could Manchester City line up this season?

Leroy Sane

Entering his fourth season in English football and has dazzled when at his very best, but still not holding down a regular starting place. Bayern Munich’s interest is real and Sané could yet leave.

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Director of football Txiki Begiristain told the club's official website: "This trip is a great opportunity for Pep to work with his full squad in an intensive training camp.

"We have had some players away on international duty this summer, which means Pep hasn't had the chance to work for long with the whole squad.

"The game itself promises to be a fantastic spectacle, as Girona finalise their own preparations for their debut campaign in LaLiga."

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