Manchester City are seeking entry into the quarterfinal of the FA Cup as they take on Peterborough United on Tuesday. The Sky Blues have enjoyed a rather swift entry into the Round of 16, securing wins over Swindon Town and Fulham in the previous rounds, but things could get tricky as they take on the Peterborough side currently battling for survival in the Championship.
Predicted Manchester City Lineup vs Peterborough
Defence
Ahead of the important Manchester derby on Sunday, Tuesday’s FA Cup encounter could see Pep Guardiola ring in the changes from the side that secured a victory over Everton. The Man City boss currently has a clean bill of health, with Benjamin Mendy being the only confirmed absentee.
It should give him the license to rotate his squad a little, starting in goal, where Zack Steffen could replace Ederson Moraes.
Kyle Walker might return to the side, replacing John Stones at right-back. But Stones, in turn, should shift into his favoured centre-back role, partnering Nathan Ake, with both Aymeric Laporte and Ruben Dias likely to be rested ahead of the Manchester derby.
One more change in the side could see Oleksandr Zinchenko start the game at left-back, ahead of Joao Cancelo, thus completing the Man City back four.
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Midfield
Fernandinho will be aiming for a rare start in holding midfield, as Guardiola looks to rest Rodri for Sunday’s encounter.
Ilkay Gundogan, meanwhile, should retain his place in the side, but this time around, he might be partnered by Bernardo Silva. The two advanced midfielders will be tasked with the responsibility of offering creativity in the middle of the park and offer a seamless transition from midfield to attack.
Attack
As far as the attacking unit is concerned, Jack Grealish is a favourite to replace Raheem Sterling on the left. The former Aston Villa captain will be desperate to get back to form after a rough patch.
Grealish should accompany Gabriel Jesus and Riyad Mahrez, as Guardiola looks to provide breathers to the likes of Phil Foden and Sterling, ahead of the important games against Manchester United and Sporting CP at the start of next month.
