Samir Nasri to Manchester City: Predicting Roberto Mancini's New Starting Lineup

Samir Nasri is Manchester City's newest addition. Now, how will Roberto Mancini put his lineup together?

Normally, Mancini is incredibly defensive. He is characterized by his obsession with preserving 1-0 victories, and winning with toughness instead of skill.

Now, however, he has one of the best attacking lineups in recent memory. With half a dozen world-class strikers, how will the Italian build his team?

Personally, I think he will employ a 4-2-3-1. That allows him to utilize four attacking players while still maintaining a tough defensive formation (his normal calling card).

Obviously, Mancini could go in a different direction (with different players). However, I think this lineup makes the most sense, and I think it is the likeliest option for City.

Joe Hart, GK

Joe Hart is arguably the best goalkeeper in the English Premier League.

As a result, it's not much of a surprise that he will remain the keeper at Manchester City for a long time coming.

Hart's a stud, and he will continue to tally up clean sheets for most of the foreseeable future.

Micah Richards, RB

Micah Richards is one of the best young fullbacks in the world.

When healthy, he is a steady threat on the outside. He has tremendous pace and he can facilitate the attack as well as anyone.

Right now, Richards is an easy pick for Roberto Mancini.

Vincent Kompany, CB

Vincent Kompany is an outstanding center-back for Manchester City.

Before the season he was elected as the new captain for Roberto Mancini's squad.

As a result, the addition of Samir Nasri (obviously) won't affect his playing time.

Joleon Lescott, CB

Joleon Lescott is a very strong defender.

Along with Vincent Kompany, Lescott mans a very strong defense in front of Joe Hart. He may not be the quickest of defenders, but Lescott is an imposing force in the heart of the defense.

Manchester City had one of the best defenses in the league last season and Lescott was a pretty large part of that. Factor in his innate ability to score goals, and City have one of the best center-back combinations in the league.

Gael Clichy, LB

Gael Clichy is one of the most persistent players in the English Premier League.

He is a work-horse, and he never seems to stop running. When Clichy is healthy, he is an elite left-back. However, he has been known to lose focus, which leads to some defensive breakdowns.

If he can avoid those mental lapses, City will have one of the toughest defenses in the league.

Yaya Toure, RDM

Yaya Toure is one of the most poised players in the world.

When he is on the ball, Toure always looks like he is ready to make a big play. He is always thinking and he makes the smartest, simplest pass.

With Nasri coming in, Toure will most likely sink back to a more defensive midfield position. He is a fantastic tackler and he will be able to feed long passes to his various attackers.

Nigel De Jong, LDM

Nigel De Jong is one of the strongest midfielders in the world.

The Dutch midfielder is strong on the ball and can take it from the best of attackers. Although he isn't very creative, De Jong provides Manchester City's midfield with toughness and he can be a strong enforcer.

With so many attackers, Roberto Mancini will want some defense in his midfield and De Jong is the perfect player for that role.

David Silva, RAM

David Silva has been Manchester City's best player this year. In fact, I would say that he has been the best player in the English Premier League in the first two weeks.

Silva has moved around the field, and he can cause damage from any position on the pitch. Silva is a dynamic attacker and is slowly developing into one of the best in the league.

By the way, Silva is working incredibly well with Sergio Aguero. The two of them play with an ease that is infectious. They play unselfishly, and every player seems to be feeding off their positive emotion.

Samir Nasri is a terrific maestro of the midfield, and he will probably move to the center of the attack. With him there, Silva will move to the outside. He will have more room on the outside and he will be able to work with a lot more ease.

Roberto Mancini needs to keep Silva happy. Right now, he is their best player. If he keeps up his stellar play, City have a very good chance of winning silverware. Accordingly, he needs to play wherever he can be most effective.

Samir Nasri, CAM

Samir Nasri has finally made the move. He is now a member of Manchester City.

So, what kind of impact will the French international have?

In my opinion, a very good one.

He is a young, dynamic midfielder. He can do a variety of things on the pitch. More importantly, he can facilitate the scorers around him. Obviously, Nasri will not face pressure to score. However, he will need to create goals, or he will go right to the bench.

City have one of the deepest attacking crews in the world. And that was before Nasri arrived. Now, Mancini will be able to pick from the players he wants to play. As soon as someone starts to under-perform, he will be sitting on the pine.

I think Nasri will step up. He will make an impact for City, and he could help them win multiple trophies.

Gareth Barry, LAM

Gareth Barry may not be the quickest player in the EPL, but he is definitely one of the most technically sound.

He can play any role as a midfielder, which will allow Roberto Mancini to employ him anywhere. Technically, I think Barry will be an attacking midfielder. However, I could see him drop back from time to time.

Remember, Mancini likes to play defensively. With his plethora of attacking options, he could ask Barry to take a step back. In turn, City's attack will come in multiple waves, which will make them nearly impossible to defend.

Sergio Aguero, ST

Yes, Edin Dzeko has played well this year. However, Sergio Aguero has been a revelation to the Premier League.

He has tremendous pace, is relentless and has a knack for finding the net. With Aguero up top, Manchester City give themselves the best chance to win.

In addition, Aguero combines well with David Silva. When two players are combining as well as these two, you can't separate them. Obviously, Dzeko can come on in this role and be effective. However, right now, there is no way to keep Aguero off the pitch.