The biggest story of the football weekend is that Pep Guardiola has agreed to coach Manchester City at the beginning of next season.
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While the switch is far from confirmed—with City denying the move—this is a potential move that has stimulated imagination across the footballing world.
Not only would we get to see the Barcelona great take his first steps in the Premier League, and go head-to-head with old foe Jose Mourinho once again, we would also get to see the current Bayern Munich coach stamp his imprint upon City.
With their considerable funds and their strong—if flawed—current squad, the prospect of City being forged in Guardiola’s image is mouth-watering.
In this feature, we predict the club’s starting XI at the beginning of the season should the Catalan coach move to Eastlands this summer.
GK: Joe Hart
No change is required here, Hart has been a consistent performer in the Premier League and was one of City’s outstanding individuals in their Champions League run—particularly in the last-16 defeat to Barcelona. Guardiola would surely appreciate the chance to work with a goalkeeper who is not yet at his prime.
DR: Pablo Zabaleta
He may be the wrong side of 30, but Zabaleta’s statistics show that he’s still got it. He’s arguably been among City’s five key players this term and, as consistent as ever and adored by the fans, he would surely be retained as a crucial building block under the new coach. 
DC: Vincent Kompany
Vincent Kompany has had a mixed campaign by his own standards. There have been errors and there have been red cards, but for a player of his quality and class, this must surely be considered a lapse—unless it continues into next season of course.
The Belgian—still only 29—ought to be given the benefit of the doubt.
DC: Javi Martinez
The clunky Eliaquim Mangala has gradually—gradually—improved this season, but does he have the composure in possession and the vision to thrive in a Guardiola defence?
If any doubts remain, the incoming coach may opt to return to Bayern for Javi Martinez.
The technically-proficient and physically-impressive former Athletic man has missed swathes of time with injury—starting only one Bundesliga match in the last year—but would still be an excellent signing for the Sky Blues.
DL: Juan Bernat
There is a certain question mark over the left-back position for City, with Gael Clichy turning 30 this year and Aleksandar Kolarov linked with a move back to Serie A.
Should he move to the Etihad Stadium, Guardiola may look to solve this potential concern by bringing 22-year-old Juan Bernat with him. The left-back has been in fine form for Bayern since moving from Valencia in the summer, but with David Alaba likely to return from injury next season—will the 22-year-old have as much opportunity at the Allianz Arena?
CM: David Silva
A meeting between David Silva and Pep Guardiola could be something of a fantasy union.
The little Spaniard is the key creative influence at City, and as he comes gradually towards the end of his 20s, he might be open to a slight modification in his role at the club as part of Guardiola’s ideological approach.
CM: Sergio Busquets
Sergio Busquets recently admitted that he was beginning to grow jaded with life at Barcelona and in La Liga. His revelations and his professed admiration for English football fuelled transfer rumours linking him to Chelsea.
However, should Guardiola be installed at City, there would surely only be one option for the World Cup winner. Busquets could become the cornerstone of Pep’s City mission.
CM: Thiago Alcantara
Thiago Alcantara is enduring a disastrous time in Germany, where injury is completely undermining his contribution to Bayern’s season.
However, it’s unlikely that Guardiola has lost faith in his one-time prodigy. Could the playmaker complete his hat-trick and join Pep at City, having previously been with him at Barca as well?
FW: Raheem Sterling
It’s no secret that Raheem Sterling’s future remains unresolved. The England international is stalling on a new contract, creating an impasse which sharks may seek to exploit.
Would Guardiola sanction a major-money move for the 20-year-old? If so, it would be tantalising to watch the Liverpool man develop under the tutelage of the coaching legend.
He would also help City fill their home-grown quota.
FW: Sergio Aguero
Sergio Aguero has enjoyed another fine season for the Citizens—scoring 22 goals in 27 Premier League starts to date.
Could Guardiola take the Argentine forward’s career to the next level and help the 26-year-old develop as he did with…dare I say it…Lionel Messi?
FW: Pedro
Liverpool and Chelsea have been linked with Pedro ahead of a possible move this summer, with the World Cup winner believed to be disgruntled at not being a consistent starter at Barcelona.
However, as with Busquets, surely the presence of his former mentor at Eastlands would mean that Pedro could only have eyes for one potential destination in the EPL.