Will Pep Guardiola unleash an in-form youngster against Wolves?

Manchester City take on Wolverhampton Wanderers this weekend at Molineux. The champions will be aiming to maintain their unbeaten start to the new season with a win over Gary O’Neill’s side. Pep Guardiola will be hoping his team is at their best at a venue they were beaten at last season. With that in mind could the City manager unleash an in-form youngster at Molineux on Sunday?

Over the international break, James McAtee starred for England’s under-21’s. He scored 3 goals in two games as he showed that he is ready to take the next step in his career. On top of his goals, McAtee’s performances showed every strong attribute in his game. He returns to Manchester City in top form. McAtee looks ready to be a bigger contributor for the champions going forward.

But will Pep Guardiola unleash McAtee from the start on Sunday? That is a different question entirely. There is no doubt that McAtee is in fine form. His performances over the international break highlight this. But playing in under-21 internationals is not the same level as a Premier League fixture. Despite Wolves sitting last in the Premier League table they can be dangerous on their day. That may be a factor in Pep Guardiola’s decision to start McAtee or not.

But I believe McAtee is ready to play a more prominent role going forward. He has the attributes to make it at Manchester City. He is in exceptional form based on his displays over the international break. The time may be now to unleash McAtee from the start on Sunday. Molineux may be the ideal stage for McAtee to finally start for City in the Premier League. He looks to be ready for such a moment.

The time may be now for Pep Guardiola to start James McAtee. The young playmaker looks to be as ready as ever to finally make his mark at Manchester City. Whether or not Guardiola decides Sunday’s match at Molineux is the right time will be known when the starting lineups are announced on Sunday. But whenever McAtee does get that call there is little doubt he will be ready to make an impact. His performances over the international break illustrated this.