Pep Guardiola approaches Friday night’s FA Cup tie against Arsenal in an unusual position.
The Manchester City manager is selecting his weekend line-up having not played a midweek game, something the Premier League champions have done for the majority of the season so far. After Friday’s clash with the Gunners, City don’t face a game for another nine days, meaning rotation shouldn’t impact Guardiola’s selection.
City also have just one injury doubt heading into the game - another rarity - and Guardiola is likely to pick his strongest possible team for the encounter against Mikel Arteta’s men. Phil Foden is the only real fitness concern with a foot injury and Guardioa said he’s not sure whether the England international will be fit in time for Friday night.
Despite that, one change Guardiola is likely to make is to replace Ederson with Stefan Ortega Moreno. The latter has played in City’s last six cup games, including high-profile fixtures against Chelsea, Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund.
In defence, Kyle Walker and Joao Cancelo are out of favour at present, with Rico Lewis preferred at right-back, and Nathan Ake or Aymeric Laporte on the left side of a fluid back four. Ruben Dias might play at centre-back but he’s not started since the World Cup through injury and is unlikely to be chucked in for a game of such magnitude.
Kalvin Phillips also hasn’t earned Guardiola’s trust yet and is not expected to start. Rodri and Kevin De Bruyne are likely to play in midfield along with one of Bernardo Silva or Ilkay Gundogan.
With Foden injured, Riyad Mahrez and Jack Grealish should play out wide with Erling Haaland up front, but Julian Alvarez is another option for Guardiola. Here’s how we think City will line up…
1. GK: Stefan Ortega Moreno
It’s been a mixed bag from the stand-in goalkeeper, who was poor in the loss against Southampton two weeks ago.
2. RB: Rico Lewis
Plays a pivotal role for City, starting at right-back and moving into midfield in possession.
3. CB: Manuel Akanji
In Guardiola’s first-choice defence at present.
4. CB: John Stones
Performed well when selected and has regained fitness after a recent injury.