Ivan Toney is convinced that a player from Manchester City possesses the highest football intelligence in the Premier League.

Manchester City has kicked off 2024 with remarkable form, only being halted by Liverpool and Chelsea in the new year. Under Pep Guardiola’s guidance, the team remains undefeated in 22 games, raising the possibility of securing back-to-back treble wins.

However, City faces challenging opponents ahead, such as Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals and Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-final.

Despite their impressive streak, City trails behind Arsenal and Liverpool by a single point in the title race, leaving the outcome of their trophy haul uncertain for the season.

To achieve success, City relies on every player reaching their peak performance, including Kevin De Bruyne, who Ivan Toney regards as the Premier League’s most astute player.

Manchester City’s Anticipated Starting XI vs Arsenal

Injury Updates and Tactical Adjustments

Ahead of the clash against Arsenal, Guardiola faces injury concerns and tactical decisions.

Defensive Adjustments

• Injuries: Guardiola confirmed John Stones and Kyle Walker’s absence due to injuries. However, Ederson’s recovery is promising.
• Possible Adjustments: Manuel Akanji might replace the injured Kyle Walker at right-back, with Ruben Dias and Nathan Ake likely retaining their positions.

Midfield Dynamics

• Midfield Stability: Rodri is expected to anchor the midfield, while Bernardo Silva’s experience could see him start alongside Kevin De Bruyne, who missed the last match due to injury.

Attacking Configurations

• Flank Dynamics: Phil Foden could shift to the right flank, possibly with Bernardo Silva moving into midfield.
• Forward Line: Erling Haaland is anticipated to lead the line, aiming to capitalize on opportunities against Arsenal’s defense.

Possible Inclusion of Jack Grealish

• Fitness Assessment: Guardiola noted Jack Grealish’s positive training, hinting at his potential inclusion.
• Impactful Presence: Grealish’s experience in big games could see him replace Doku on the left wing.

Predicted Lineup: Ederson, Akanji, Dias, Ake, Gvardiol, Rodri, Bernardo, De Bruyne, Foden, Haaland, Grealish

Paul Dickov has asserted that Erling Haaland possesses the capability to singlehandedly secure victories for Manchester City, evident in his decisive contribution against Brentford where he broke the deadlock. Despite City not being at their dominant best, Haaland’s goal proved instrumental in securing the crucial three points.

Dickov praised Haaland’s ability to impact games even when the team is not performing at its peak, emphasizing the confidence it instills in City to have a striker of Haaland’s caliber. The sentiment echoes Vitaliy Mykolenko’s belief that Haaland is currently the best player in the Premier League.

While critics may attribute Haaland’s success to moments of fortune, Dickov emphasized that match-winners possess a unique ability to find ways to secure victories, as seen in Haaland’s performance against Brentford. The striker’s consistent ability to rescue teams he has played for throughout his career is highlighted, with examples including his acrobatic finish against Borussia Dortmund and an incredible overhead kick in a 4-0 win against Southampton.

Haaland’s knack for scoring crucial goals, including last-gasp winners, sets him apart as a player capable of influencing the outcome of games. Dickov drew parallels between Haaland and football greats like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, as well as current world-class performers like Mohamed Salah and Kylian Mbappe. Contrary to attributing Haaland’s success to luck, Dickov views his impact as a defining quality associated with football’s elite players.