Manchester City’s fringe figures should have a chance to impress on Saturday when the Cityzens host Salford City in the third round of the FA Cup.
Pep Guardiola is likely to usher in the changes at the Etihad Stadium, giving young and fringe players the chance to stake their claim. With a busy month ahead, spanning seven games in three different competitions, City can ill afford to be at their best against League Two opponents.
Having reached the final in each of the last two seasons, including a bitter defeat to local rivals Manchester United last May, City could line up for their first FA Cup game of 2024/25 as follows.
TW: Stefan Ortega – Ederson is close to returning to action, having been absent since the Manchester derby in mid-December. However, Ortega should retain his starting spot on Saturday, otherwise Scott Carson may be making his second club appearance since joining in 2019.
CB: Kyle Walker – Walker has fallen out of favor after a series of questionable performances, but the speedy Englishman could be used as a backup centre-back.
CB: Jahmai Simpson-Pusey – The 19-year-old has already made five appearances for City’s senior team and could make a sixth appearance against Salford.
CB: Josko Gvardiol – Gvardiol remained well below his best this season. Constant mistakes and slips have proven costly for the Cityzens, but defensive injuries have forced him to play through poor form.
DM: Nico O’Reilly – O’Reilly has been a regular on City’s bench this season and has featured in a number of cup competitions. The 19-year-old showed impressive composure during operations in the engine room.
DM: Ilkay Gündogan – With Rico Lewis and Mateo Kovacic being Guardiola’s preferred defensive midfield partners in Rodri’s absence, Gündogan is expected to act as a leader in a much-changed and young team.
RM: Jeremy Documentary – City’s roadrunner has been overshadowed by Savinho in recent weeks but Saturday should at least give him some minutes.
CM: James McAtee – Guardiola has spoken highly of McAtee since his impressive recent cameos and stated his intention to offer the young midfielder more opportunities. Saturday is the perfect opportunity to keep your promise.
CM: Matheus Nunes – The Portuguese had a number of appearances during City’s poor end 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 City career is in danger of coming to an end and even a stunning performance against Salford won’t change that. However, it could be the perfect confidence boost for the England winger.
ST: Erling Haaland – With no replacement for Haaland in the squad, City could be forced to field the Norwegian Cyborg on Saturday. Still, he’ll probably relish the opportunity to score goals, goals, goals.