Manchester City have the opportunity to progress to the quarter-final stage of the FA Cup when they face League Two side Newport County on the road on Saturday evening. Pep Guardiola will certainly make changes with a view to the Champions League game next week but the team should still consist of experienced campaigners, who have participated regularly through the season.
Formation: 4-3-3
Predicted Lineup:
Barring the League Cup, Pep Guardiola has not experienced with the goalkeeping position in any other competition and the same could be the case for the weekend. Ederson should once more feature between the sticks.
In the defence, Danilo could slot into the right-back position ahead of Kyle Walker with Oleksandr Zinchenko maintaining his position in the opposite end after impressing with a couple of assists in the thumping triumph over Chelsea last weekend.
At the heart of the backline, Aymeric Laporte could be offered a breather, given he has constantly featured for the team of late. In his absence, Nicolas Otamendi should return to the fray to partner John Stones in the central defensive department.
Onto the midfield, Ilkay Gundogan could be tasked with the holding midfield duties with Fernandinho getting a rest. Ahead of him, the experienced David Silva could return to the starting XI alongside Phil Foden, who should receive another game to aide his impressive progress.
In the attack front, Leroy Sane and Riyad Mahrez are bound to earn starts on the left and right wing respectively and the latter, in particular, will be yearning to impress after barely featuring since the beginning of February.
Leading the line should be Gabriel Jesus, who has been playing second fiddle to Sergio Aguero over the past few league matches. The Brazilian has netted a staggering seven goals in the past three starts for the club.
Predicted Manchester City XI (4-3-3): Ederson, Danilo, Nicolas Otamendi, John Stones, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Ilkay Gundogan, David Silva, Phil Foden, Riyad Mahrez, Leroy Sane, Gabriel Jesus
