Pep Guardiola has explained his team selection for Manchester City's Premier League opener against West Ham this afternoon.
Guardiola made two changes from the side that lost 3-1 to Liverpool in the Community Shield last weekend, with Phil Foden and Ilkay Gundogan replacing Riyad Mahrez and Bernardo Silva.
Foden missed City's pre-season tour of the US and started the Community Shield on the bench, but Guardiola explained his decision.
"I couldn’t decide for one, Phil trained incredibly well this week. Phil is always fit, in terms of physicality he’s always beyond expectation. Step by step he will be in his best form."
READ MORE: Live updates as City take on West Ham
Erling Haaland makes his eagerly anticipated Premier League debut at the head of City's attack, with Jack Grealish lining up on the left side of City's front three.
Haaland received criticism for his performance against Liverpool, but Guardiola was confident that he will soon find his feet at City.
"He’s settled really well in the locker room," Guardiola added. "The most important thing is the connection with his mates and he needs training sessions, minutes and the connection between them."
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