Manchester City’s peripheral figures should get their chance to impress on Saturday when the Cityzens host Salford City in the third round of the FA Cup.
Pep Guardiola is likely to ring the bell for changes at the Etihad Stadium, offering academy prospects and secondary players a chance to stake their claim. With a busy month ahead that includes seven fixtures in three different competitions, City can afford to risk their best and brightest against League Two opposition.
After reaching the final over the last two seasons, including a bitter defeat to local rivals Manchester United last May, here’s how City they could meet in their first FA Cup meeting in 2024/25.
GK: Stefan Ortega – Ederson is closing in on his return to action, having been out since the Manchester derby in mid-December. However, Ortega should retain his starting spot on Saturday, or perhaps Scott Carson will make his second appearance for the club since joining in 2019.
CB: Kyle Walker – Walker has fallen out of favor after a string of questionable performances, but the speedy Englishman could be used as a back-up centre-half.
CB: Jahmai Simpson-Pusey – The 19-year-old has already made five appearances for City’s senior team and could grab a sixth against Salford.
CB: Josko Guardiol – Guardiol was far below his best this season. Constant errors and gaffes proved costly for the Cityzens, but he is forced to play in poor form due to defensive injuries.
DM: Nico O’Reilly – O’Reilly has regularly sat on the City bench this term and has made several 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 being Guardiola’s preferred defensive midfield partner in Rodri’s absence, Gundogan is likely to act as a leader in a much-changed and young squad.
RM: Jeremy Doku – Savinho has outplayed City’s runner in recent weeks, but Saturday should at least secure him some minutes.
CM: James McAtee – Guardiola has spoken highly of McAtee since his impressive recent performances and has announced his intention to give the young midfielder more opportunities. Saturday is the perfect opportunity for him to fulfill his promise.
CM: Matheus Nunes – The Portuguese enjoyed a string of outings during City’s poor run-up to 2024, but injury has limited his involvement in recent 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 career at City is in danger of fizzling out and not even a scintillating performance against Salford will change that. However, it could provide the perfect confidence boost for the England winger.
ST: Erling Haaland – Without the support of Haaland in their squad, City may be forced to start their Norwegian cyborg on Saturday. Still, he’ll likely relish the opportunity to score, score, score.
READ THE LATEST MAN CITY NEWS, TRANSFER RUMORS AND GOSSIP
