Sports Mole takes an in-depth look at how Manchester City could line up for Tuesday’s EFL Cup third-round clash with Watford.
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola could make a full 11 changes for Tuesday’s EFL Cup third-round clash with Watford at the Etihad Stadium.
The knockout clash comes a little over 48 hours after their captivating 2-2 Premier League draw with Arsenal, where a 98th-minute John Stones leveller kept the Citizens at the summit.
The Englishman could very well be one of the players drafted into a second-string City XI, which should also feature a handful of Under-21 talents alongside Guardiola’s fringe senior players.
Stones could be the most experienced member of a backline also comprising the young Rico Lewis, Jahmai Simpson-Pusey and Josh Wilson-Esbrand, while Stefan Ortega will no doubt replace Ederson in goal.
Matheus Nunes should be awarded a rare chance to make his mark in the engine room, where 19-year-old Jacob Wright could join him in a double pivot, with James McAtee operating just ahead of them.
Wright’s fellow Under-21s star Nico O’Reilly – who captains the Citizens’ youth team – is a candidate to start on the right-hand side of the attack, while Jack Grealish played 20 minutes on Sunday so ought to be fine to start this one.
As 100-goal striker Erling Haaland is surely due a rest, Phil Foden could very well operate in the false nine role, unless Guardiola promotes Jaden Heskey – son of Emile – to the senior selection.
Kevin De Bruyne (groin), Nathan Ake (thigh) and Oscar Bobb (leg) are all out of contention, while Rodri picked up a knee injury in the Arsenal draw but would have certainly been given the night off either way.
Manchester City possible starting lineup:
Ortega; Lewis, Stones, Simpson-Pusey, Wilson-Esbrand; Nunes, Wright; O’Reilly, McAtee, Grealish; Foden
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