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Manchester City’s peripheral figures should be given the chance to impress on Saturday when the Citizens host Salford City in the third round of the FA Cup.
Pep Guardiola is likely to ring in changes at the Etihad Stadium, giving academy prospects and fringe players a chance to stake their claim. With a busy month ahead that includes seven fixtures in three different competitions, City cannot afford to risk their best and brightest against League Two opposition.
Reaching the final over the past two seasons, including a bitter defeat to local rivals Manchester United last May, thus city Could line up for their first FA Cup clash in 2024/25.
GK: Stefan Ortega – Ederson is close to returning to action after missing the Manchester derby in mid-December. However, Ortega should retain his starting berth on Saturday, or perhaps make his second club appearance after Scott Carson joins in 2019.
CB: Kyle Walker – Walker has fallen out of favor following a series of questionable performances but the speedy Englishman could be used as a supporting centre-half.
CB: Jahmai Simpson-Pusey – The 19-year-old has already managed five appearances for City’s senior team and could make a sixth against Salford.
CB: Josko Guardiol – Guardiola has been streets below his best this season. Constant mistakes and blunders have proved costly for the Citizens but they are forced to play in poor form due to defensive injuries.
DM: Nico O’Reilly – O’Reilly has been a regular on the City bench this term and has made a handful of appearances in cup competitions. The 19-year-old showed impressive composure in the engine room when called upon.
DM: Ilkay Gundogan – With Rico Lewis and Mateo Kovacic Guardiola’s preferred defensive midfield partnership in Rodri’s absence, Gundogan is likely to act as a leader in a much changed and young side.
RM: Jeremy Docu – The City roadrunner has been overtaken by Savinho in recent weeks but should at least be given some minutes on Saturday.
CM: James McAtee – Guardiola has spoken highly of McAtee since his impressive recent cameo and has revealed his intention to provide the young midfielder with more opportunities. Saturday is the perfect opportunity to fulfill his promise.
Chief Minister: Matthias Nunes – The Portuguese enjoyed a spell out until 2024 during City’s rotten end but injury has limited his involvement in the past few weeks. After returning to the bench against West Ham United last time out, he could be promoted to the starting XI.
LM: Jack Grealish – Grealish’s City career is in jeopardy and a dazzling performance against Salford won’t change that. However, it could provide the perfect confidence boost for the England winger.
ST: Erling Haaland – With no back-up to Haaland in their squad, City may be forced to start their Norwegian cyborg on Saturday. Still, he’ll probably relish the chance to score goals, goals, goals.
