Two players might have last chance to impress in their favourite positions for Man City

Manchester City will round off an extremely successful 2023 at home to strugglers Sheffield United on Saturday.

City added the Club World Cup to their collection of the treble and the UEFA Super Cup for a hugely memorable 12 months at the Etihad and all over the world. They returned to winning ways in the Premier League against Everton on Wednesday and will look to catch up to Liverpool and Arsenal in the coming weeks at the top of the Premier League.

John Stones added to the injury list with an ankle issue picked up at Everton, with Erling Haaland not in full training before that game, but Kevin De Bruyne could be back soon as he has been training with his teammates. Jeremy Doku is also recovering from a muscle injury.

Foden is becoming the undroppable midfielder Guardiola expected

City displayed what Guardiola saw in Saudi Arabia vs Everton

In Saudi Arabia and at Goodison Park, Phil Foden showed his promise and quality in the number 10 role, and Julian Alvarez looked to be regaining his form in his preferred position of number nine. They are both in the kind of form that deserves a run together to see how far the partnership can go. Foden was brilliant at Everton and hauled City back into the contest, while Alvarez confidently scored a penalty after his two goals and assist in the Club World Cup final. Foden said: "It’s my favourite position – I love it in there. I enjoy getting in the pockets, turning and driving with the ball. I think that’s my game and my biggest quality. Hopefully, I can keep playing there and keep improving."

Both will be well aware, however, that their minutes in those favourite positions are limited. Erling Haaland is scheduled to return in January, while Kevin De Bruyne is closer to his