Manchester City Predicted XI vs Huddersfield in the EFL Cup
Manchester City are expected to make major changes for their EFL Cup clash with Huddersfield, as Pep Guardiola looks to rotate his squad after a demanding run of fixtures.
Guardiola has named the same starting XI in three straight games, including the 1-1 draw with Arsenal, where he admitted his players were “incredibly tired.” Add in a growing injury list, and rotation feels inevitable.
Injury Concerns
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Mateo Kovacic is close to returning, but several others remain sidelined.
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Rayan Cherki (injury), Rayan Ait-Nouri (ankle), Omar Marmoush (knee), and Kalvin Phillips (Achilles) are all unavailable.
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Erling Haaland, who picked up back pain against Arsenal, could return at the weekend against Burnley but won’t be risked here.
Who Could Feature
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Goalkeeper: James Trafford may get the nod, giving Gianluigi Donnarumma a rest after sitting on the bench in recent games.
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Defence: Matheus Nunes could cover at right-back with Abdukodir Khusanov carrying a knock. John Stones is tipped to return alongside youngster Stephen Mfuni, who trained with the first team and may be handed a debut. Nathan Ake is likely to start at left-back.
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Midfield: Nico González could slot back in to rest Rodri, while Rico Lewis may replace Tijjani Reijnders. Teenage playmaker Divine Mukasa — who describes himself as “similar” to Kevin De Bruyne — could finally earn a first start in Phil Foden’s role.
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Attack: Bernardo Silva might be the only player to keep his spot, providing leadership in an otherwise rotated side. Oscar Bobb could play as a false nine with Savinho returning on the left wing after injury.
Predicted Manchester City Line-up vs Huddersfield
Trafford; Nunes, Stones, Mfuni, Ake; Nico, Lewis, Mukasa; Bernardo; Bobb, Savinho.
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