Manchester City 25/26 season preview: The City attack is loaded with quality and versatile options

The 25/26 season begins tomorrow for Manchester City. Pep Guardiola’s side will take on Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux to kick off the new campaign. Looking at the City squad, the defence and midfield are loaded with quality. Parts one and two of the Esteemed Kompany season preview looked at the defensive and midfield options Pep Guardiola could call upon this season.

Up next is a look at Manchester City’s attacking options. City is blessed with various versatile and quality options in the final third. The potential is there for Manchester City to be a formidable threat in attack.

The option that Savinho could potentially provide Pep Guardiola’s squad isn’t included in this preview. The Brazilian international could join Tottenham, so he isn’t included in this piece.

The Manchester City attack is loaded with talent and versatility.

Starting on the left wing, there are two standout options in the Manchester City squad. Jeremy Doku and Omar Marmoush are the prime candidates to operate on the left wing.

Jeremy Doku could be poised for a breakout season. The Belgian international was arguably Manchester City’s best player at the FIFA Club World Cup. There was a distinct edge to his play, and his end product did look to have improved in the United States. Doku enters his third season at Manchester City, needing to step up a gear. He has all the attributes in his game to become a world-class winger. If his end product improves and he can stay fit, he could be in for an exciting 25/26 season.

Omar Marmoush has now had time to adjust to life at Manchester City. The Egyptian international showed signs last season that he could be a key player for Pep Guardiola’s side. He scored eight goals after signing for City from Eintracht Frankfurt, and his intelligent runs and goal sense add a different weapon to City’s attack. It would be expected that Marmoush will start on the left and drift centrally. But he could also play as a shadow striker behind Erling Haaland. That may be his best position.

Describe this Omar Marmoush goal in one word 👇pic.twitter.com/2nXNvlbRR1

— Premier League (@premierleague) May 21, 2025

The right wing is packed with intelligent and tricky players.

When looking at Manchester City’s options for the right wing, three players stand out. They are Oscar Bobb, Phil Foden and Rayan Cherki. Although I’m expecting Cherki to spend the majority of next season playing in a central role.

That leaves Oscar Bobb and Phil Foden. In the case of Bobb, he feels like a new signing. The Norwegian internationals’ 24/25 season was wrecked by injury. But across Manchester City’s pre-season, Bobb showed that he is ready to make up for lost time. With his ability to play in the pockets and exceptional technical ability, Bobb could be the breakout player for Pep Guardiola’s side. He is highly rated at City and should be a key player this season.

Phil Foden will likely alternate between the right wing and a central role. At his best, Foden starts on the right wing and drifts centrally. He is a devastating player in this role. The hope is that Foden can bounce back after a disappointing 24/25 season. At his best, he is one of the best players in the Premier League. If he returns to his best, City will be lethal up front.

Bernardo Silva will also likely spend time on the right wing. That isn’t a popular option for many, but he is serviceable when played out wide.

Another player who is an intriguing option for the final third for City is Divine Mukasa. It is expected that Mukasa will spend time training with Pep Guardiola’s squad. But he has the talent to be a contributor for City this season. It would not be a surprise to see Mukasa play on occasion this season.

Erling Haaland looms as the most dangerous weapon in Manchester City’s attack.

The most dangerous weapon in Manchester City’s attacking arsenal is Erling Haaland. Haaland is the best striker in world football. His goals are vital to Manchester City’s play and chances during the 25/26 season. If Haaland fires, City will prosper. He must put away his chances at a better rate this season. At times last season, Haaland was wasteful in front of goal. If he tidies up this side of his game, he will be a devastating force next season.

Erling Haaland has also been elevated to Manchester City’s captaincy group for this season. That challenge should elevate Haaland’s game. The hope is that he can grow as a player to become an even more formidable threat.

Summary.

The Manchester City attack is blessed with various quality, dangerous and versatile options. The pieces are there for Pep Guardiola to unleash a devastating force in the final third. If Manchester City’s attacking options come together they could fire City to success in the 25/26 season.