Manchester City are virtually perfect under Pep Guardiola – no other team has a chance of winning the Premier League title this season

At centre-back, a position where City have typically struggled to remain consistent, we now have a variety of world-class options.

John Stones shone in an England shirt and I’d love to see him start on the opening day alongside club captain Vincent Kompany.

The Belgian, for me, is un-droppable for his on-pitch charisma just as much as his quality.

It feels cruel to leave out Nicolas Otamendi after a terrific campaign last term, while Aymeric Laporte is a very capable stand-in.

Whoever gets the nod at centre-back will have to consistently perform at the highest level to maintain their place... but competition is always healthy.

Moving up the pitch, Fernandinho is essential as both guardian of the defence and a vital link to the midfield and is an often unsung hero in many big games.

Ahead of him, a mouth-watering, fluid combination of Kevin De Bruyne, David Silva, Leroy Sane and Riyad Mahrez has my hairs standing on end already.

Arsenal have bolstered their defensive ranks over the window but I doubt there is a back-line in the history of football that could subdue these four.

Topping this lineup with Sergio Aguero seems almost excessive in a side that has goals written all over it, but I’m sure that won’t worry Pep much.

Aguero was back to his very best on Sunday and looked like a player tuning up to produce another elite season.

With a squad like this, I don’t see how any football fan wouldn’t make City favourites for the league.

Liverpool have opened their wallets and built a phenomenal squad which will certainly mount a challenge.

But I believe the biggest task for this City side will be living up to incredibly high expectations they have created for themselves.