Man City team news: Mendy makes the bench as De Bruyne and Silva start

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Man City team news: Mendy makes the bench as De Bruyne and Silva start image

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has named a strong starting XI for the Premier League champions as they tackle Swansea.

Kevin De Bruyne, David Silva and Raheem Sterling are all involved from the outset, but perhaps the biggest news is that Benjamin Mendy makes his return from a long-term knee injury by featuring on the bench.

The France international defender has been out of action since suffering knee ligament damage against Crystal Palace on September 23.

City have fared admirably in his absence, collecting the Carabao Cup and Premier League title, but will be delighted to have a £52 million addition back at their disposal.

For now, though, Fabian Delph will continue at left-back as Guardiola’s side take in their first fixture since being confirmed as champions.

There promises to be a party atmosphere at the Etihad Stadium, with the hosts eager to avoid allowing their season to fizzle out with nothing left to play for.

Rotation from Guardiola should help to prevent that, with the likes of Leroy Sane and Nicolas Otamendi named among the substitutes against Swansea as others get a chance.

Gabriel Jesus, meanwhile, will lead the line following confirmation that Sergio Aguero has undergone knee surgery and will sit out the rest of the domestic season.

Manchester City starting XI: Ederson; Danilo, Kompany, Laporte, Delph; Gundogan, De Bruyne; Bernardo, Silva, Sterling; Jesus.

Subs: Bravo, Walker, Sane, Mendy, Otamendi, Toure, Foden.

Swansea City starting XI: Fabianski, Naughton, Mawson, Van der Hoorn, Fernandez, Olsson, King, Carroll, Ki, A. Ayew, J. Ayew.

Subs: Nordfeldt, Bartley, Roberts, Clucas, Dyer, Routledge, Abraham.

In contrast to the success enjoyed by Manchester City this season, Swansea are scrapping for their Premier League lives.

Victory at the Etihad would go a long way to seeing them safe, while also confirming the relegation of rock-bottom West Brom.

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