Manchester City will be hoping to extend their winning run to five games in all competitions when they lock horns with Sheffield Wednesday in the 5th round of the FA Cup on Wednesday. The Sky Blues are coming on the back of a triumph in the English League Cup, defeating Aston Villa 2-1 in the final and confidence will be high as they look to advance through to the next round of the FA Cup.
Here is how Man City could line up against Sheffield Wednesday this midweek.
Predicted 4-3-3 Manchester City Lineup Vs Sheffield Wednesday
Formation: 4-3-3
Defence
Despite the importance of the FA Cup, there could be changes in the Manchester City camp, with Guardiola having one eye on the crucial Manchester derby on the weekend.
There could be wholesale changes in the defensive department, though Claudio Bravo should retain his place in goal over Ederson Moraes. Same can be said about Oleksandr Zinchenko, with Guardiola unlikely to risk Benjamin Mendy at left-back.
However, Kyle Walker may have to make way for Joao Cancelo on the opposite flank. The Englishman will play a key role in the upcoming Manchester derby, though.
Aymeric Laporte has picked up another knock and will miss out for further three-four weeks. Fernandinho and John Stones started in the last game against Aston Villa. But, they could both make way for Nicolas Otamendi and Eric Garcia at centre-back as part of Pep’s defensive overhaul.
Midfield
Rodri is guaranteed to receive a breather this midweek, which means Ilkay Gundogan is expected to operate as the holding midfielder against Sheffield Wednesday.
Man City doesn’t have too many options in central midfield. As a result, Pep will be forced to continue with the duo of Bernardo Silva and David Silva starting alongside Gundogan in the 4-3-3 setup.
Attack
Riyad Mahrez has been an ever-present figure in the Manchester City side this season. And the Algerian is set to start at right-wing once again. However, he needs to improve his performances, especially with Leroy Sane nearing his return to full fitness.
Phil Foden, meanwhile, could receive a berth in the starting lineup once again. The youngster started against Aston Villa at right-wing, though this time, he will likely be shifted to the opposite flank due to Mahrez.
And finally, the Manchester City attack will be led by Gabriel Jesus. The Brazilian will be aiming to score a few goals this midweek, which would surely help him make a push for the starting eleven against Manchester United.
