Some Arsenal supporters may disagree, but today is the day that the Gunners passed the baton to Manchester City in the race for the Premier League title. The ease with which Manchester City was able to pinch Samir Nasri away from Arsenal was a clear sign that City have more leverage, i.e. money, than Arsenal. And the balance of power has shifted from the Emirates to Etihad.

But looking at Manchester City’s squad, which is rich in talent, manager Roberto Mancini faces a massive predicament in terms of trying to figure out who should play in his starting eleven.

I’ve posted my recommendation for Manchester City’s starting XI. The BBC Sport Squad Selector I used to design the team wasn’t very flexible, but the formation is supposed to be a 4-5-1 which can revert to a 4-3-3 when City are on the counter attack. I’ve slotted Samir Nasri into the left midfield position, but he can push into the field to allow Gael Clichy to push forward down the left wing.

What do you think? What’s your recommendation for Manchester City’s best starting XI? Share your recommended Manchester City starting XI in the comments section below.

Thanks to EPL Talk reader Mike Hinker for the story idea.