Manchester City are gunning for a win as they take on Southampton in the quarter-final of the FA Cup on Sunday. After succumbing to a draw in their last match, the Premier League giants will be desperate to get back to winning momentum and secure a place in the semi-finals of the cup, and sign off for the international break on a positive note.
Predicted Manchester City Lineup Vs Southampton
Defence
Ruben Dias is set to miss out for Manchester City owing to a hamstring injury. While the Catalan would usually rest some of his top players, the upcoming international break means the Catalan can afford to field a full-strength squad against Southampton.
This could see Kyle Walker continue at right-back, whereas Aymeric Laporte may get the nod ahead of Nathan Ake in central defence. Laporte is expected to partner with John Stones at the heart of the four-man backline as they look to keep the Southampton attack quiet this weekend.
Elsewhere in defence, Oleksandr Zinchenko might be rewarded with a start at left-back, whereas Ederson might retain his place in goal, even though a cup game usually means a chance for Zack Steffen to start.
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Midfield
Moving into midfield, Fernandinho might be given the nod ahead of Rodri in the number six slot. But it won’t be surprising at all to see Rodri retain his place in the side, should Guardiola truly field a strong starting eleven.
Kevin de Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan are likely to accompany Fernandinho in the three-man Manchester City midfield. Bernardo Silva is another option, but the Portuguese international is likely to settle for a place on the bench.
Attack
As for the attack, Guardiola might look to make a couple of changes. Jack Grealish, in particular, could make way for Raheem Sterling on the left flank. The same can be said for Phil Foden, who remains an option in midfield as well, as a potential alternative for either De Bruyne or Gundogan.
In Foden’s stead, Gabriel Jesus could be given the opportunity to spearhead the Man City attack, with Sterling and Riyad Mahrez operating out wide. It will be interesting to see whether these three can break the shackles of the Southampton backline after drawing blank in the last game.
