Pep Guardiola could make several changes to his side for the midweek trip to Tottenham Hotspur.
The Carabao Cup tie has already been earmarked as the least important of City’s seven fixtures in between the October and November international breaks, and with a busy schedule Guardiola is hoping to rest several players.
Guardiola admitted at the weekend that he might have to select some members of his youth-team squad for the game, while the Catalan previously revealed he does not see the game as a priority.
“The next round, I announce to you, I will play the second team," Guardiola said. "We are not going to waste energy, for sure."
The fixture pile-up comes amid a spate of recent injuries, with six players missing for the Tottenham clash, something Guardiola said last week is a concern. “For one game, two games is fine. Now we have a tough period.”
However, speaking on Tuesday ahead of the game, the City boss seemed to imply he would select a strong team rather than calling up youngsters.
“Few players but we're going to try to do a good game. Last season we were out against Newcastle and played really well. Perform well, no injuries please and go to the last week of the international break.”
Regardless, changes seem likely for those who have played a lot in recent weeks. With all that in mind, here’s the XI we think Guardiola will name at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, which includes six changes from Saturday’s win over Southampton…
1. GK: Stefan Ortega
The goalkeeper played in the last round and is likely to start again.
2. RB: Rico Lewis
No-one has started more games for City this season, but given his age and fresh legs, Lewis could remain in the team against Spurs.
3. CB: John Stones
Dropped out of the team at the weekend so should come back in for the Carabao Cup clash.
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4. CB: Ruben Dias
One of Dias or Manuel Akanji will probably drop to the bench, with the latter most likely given he's started the last two.