Strongest lineup Pep Guardiola announced against Huddersfield has got the fans in doubt
Manchester City will begin their defence of their third Treble crown in the FA Cup this weekend amid several possible absences.
Manchester City begin their defence of the FA Cup this weekend, which will mean they have begun their journey to recapture all three of last year’s Treble silverware.
The Blues take on Huddersfield Town in the Third Round with the club looking to extend their four-game winning run. There remains ambiguity over the fitness of Erling Haaland, who has not played in a month due to a foot problem.
Pep Guardiola initially reckoned his striker could have been back for the Club World Cup but his return has taken longer than expected. The Catalan may be cautious about using him against Huddersfield anyway with Newcastle to play in the Premier League six days later.
Meanwhile, Jeremy Doku and Kevin De Bruyne are nearing a return, although it remains to be seen whether either will be reintroduced this weekend. John Stones is expected to miss the clash with his new setback and so here is the strongest line-up City fans can expect Guardiola to field against Huddersfield.
Ederson
It’s unlikely that Ederson gets the nod with Stefan Ortega the designated cup ‘keeper, but the Brazilian is nevertheless the undisputed No.1. The shot-stopper’s footwork abilities make him one of the best in the world, despite recent moments of angst, but he will almost certainly be rested ahead of Newcastle.
Kyle Walker
Walker is the complete modern full-back and has grown in his leadership skills since taking on the armband in De Bruyne’s absence. Rico Lewis has been brilliant when he has played his hybrid role in place of Walker, but in a strongest XI, he does not yet get ahead of his teammate.
Manuel Akanji
With Stones out, Akanji may take the central slot with Nathan Ake possibly being played on the left. Akanji tallied the most minutes out of any other defender last season and has more recently being used as a Stones 2.0, drifting into deep midfield to help out Rodri.
Ruben Dias
The defender has not been in terrific form this season but surely gets the nod when the overall best XI is picked. Dias is also a leader and leading team figure. If there is any game to start rediscovering his form of last season, this seems the perfect one.
Nathan Ake
Sergio Gomez might feel aggrieved if he does not begin this one given he has played just eight times all season, just three of them being starts. However, Ake has shown to be more defensively assured, more so than summer arrival Josko Gvardiol who is, of course like Ake, a centre-back by trade.