Pep Guardiola is expected to rotate his team for Manchester City’s Carabao Cup quarter-final tie against Southampton on Wednesday.
The Blues face Nathan Jones’ men in the final of the last-eight fixtures, and will be aware who could await them in the semi-finals before the match finishes at St Mary’s. It comes in the midst of a crazy January fixture schedule for City, who could play up to nine times this month.
Should they win against Southampton, that will ensure there is a two-legged semi-final over the coming weeks, although the second meeting might fall at the beginning of February. With high-profile fixtures against Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal coming up, it’s vital that Guardiola rotates his squad.
The Catalan rested several players last weekend in the win over Chelsea, with Ederson, John Stones, Nathan Ake, Ilkay Gundogan, Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland all given the night off. So too, was Jack Grealish, who missed the win through illness but was pictured training on Tuesday and is expected to travel to the south coast.
The only player who is likely to miss out is Ruben Dias, with the Portugal defender struggling with a hamstring problem since returning from Qatar.
Guardiola also gave a major hint on Tuesday that Kalvin Phillips might start for the first time in a sky blue shirt. Asked if the midfielder could start, the City boss responded: “He is ready. Of course, I think he needed time for tactical aspects, but he is ready. We are delighted with that.”
With that in mind, here’s how we think City will line up against the Saints…
Should they win against Southampton, that will ensure there is a two-legged semi-final over the coming weeks, although the second meeting might fall at the beginning of February. With high-profile fixtures against Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal coming up, it’s vital that Guardiola rotates his squad.
5. LB: Joao Cancelo
Struggling for form at present but, given he just played 30 minutes against Chelsea, might come in at left-back.
6. CM: Kalvin Phillips
Expected to start his first City match since his summer signing from Leeds United.
7. CM: Ilkay Gundogan
Assuming City’s no.8 starts, Bernardo Silva might drop to the bench.
8. CAM: Kevin De Bruyne
Refreshed from a match off, City’s star man is likely to come into the team at St Mary’s.