Manchester City could be forced into several changes for Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final clash with Liverpool.
The Sky Blues are expected to be without Kyle Walker and Kevin De Bruyne after both picked up injuries in Wednesday’s Champions League encounter with Atletico Madrid.
It means Pep Guardiola could hand minutes to some of City’s lesser-seen squad members this season, especially given the heavy fixture schedule at present.
City conclude their back-to-back double headers against Atletico and Liverpool this weekend, with Guardiola admitting on Wednesday that his side were jaded in the second half at the Wanda Metropolitano, while also claiming his squad are in ‘big trouble’ due to the number of injuries.
This may see the City boss rotate his squad at Wembley, while the FA Cup is often used by managers as an opportunity to give game-time to fringe members of the squad.
However, one player who is unlikely to start is Ruben Dias, with the centre-back returning to the bench in midweek but probably still lacks the required fitness to begin the game.
Cole Palmer is another injury concern for Guardiola with the youngster not playing in the team since January, and still may require surgery to correct an ongoing issue.
On the other hand, City will welcome back Gabriel Jesus after he was suspended for the Champions League encounter in Madrid, with the Brazilian netting against Liverpool in last week’s Premier League meeting.
But how will Guardiola set up for the clash at Wembley? We’ve had a go at selecting the Catalan’s line-up and predict he’ll rest key men Ederson, Aymeric Laporte and Phil Foden…
1. Zack Steffen
Played in the quarter-final win over Southampton, and Guardiola also selected him for last year’s semi-final loss to Chelsea.
2. Joao Cancelo
Walker’s absence could see Cancelo switch to the right, although John Stones is also an option for that role.
3. John Stones
The England international put in an exemplary display against Atletico and has been in brilliant form over recent weeks.
4. Nathan Ake
We think Guardiola will start with Ake and give Laporte a chance to recuperate. The Dutchman’s inclusion alongside Stones is more likely than Laporte given the latter is left-footed, like Ake.