Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City failed to take advantage of their game in hand when they played out a 0-0 draw against the Potters at home in the Premier League earlier this week. They lost a chance to get close to Chelsea at the top and are now 3rd in the table. However, they can now shift their focus to the FA Cup where they travel to the Riverside to face Aitor Karanka’s Middlesbrough side in the quarter-finals of the competition.
Though Champions League progress is still possible, the FA Cup is a real chance for Guardiola to win some silverware in his first season at the club and he will surely want to finish this game off in the first try. Boro beat Oxford in an exciting game in the previous round but City will provide a completely different challenge on the night. With the game against Monaco in the UCL looming large later next week, Guardiola might rest a few key players but is sure to go with a strong side.
Team News:
Pep Guardiola does not have any new injuries to worry about and will only miss Ilkay Gundogan and Gabriel Jesus, both of who are nursing long term injuries at the moment.
Expected Manchester City lineup:
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Claudio Bravo (GK):
Lost his place to Caballero in the first team but Guardiola should bring Bravo back for this quarterfinal clash in the FA Cup.
Pablo Zabaleta (RB):
An unused substitute in the game against the Potters, Zabaleta should start this game at right-back to add some mettle to the back line for Manchester City.
John Stones (CB):
The English defender was an unused substitute in the game against Stoke but he should be back in the first team for this tie against Boro.
Vincent Kompany (CB):
The skipper of the side, Kompany did not make it to the match day squad in the midweek but this FA Cup tie is a perfect opportunity to get back into the first team.
Gael Clichy (LB):
Completing the backline should be Clichy, who got full 90 minutes under his belt against Stoke and should start at left-back for his side.
Fabian Delph (CM):
Delph was not used in the league game midweek and is expected to get a chance to prove himself in this FA Cup tie.
Fernando (CM):
Another player who failed to make it to the match day squad against Stoke, Fernando should partner Delph in the midfield for this side for this game.
David Silva (CAM):
The Spanish playmaker has been one of the most influential players this season for City and got half an hour under his belt in the previous game. He should start this game in attacking role for Manchester City.
Nolito (LW):
Nolito has not been in great form off late but this FA Cup tie is what might get him back to his best. He should start this game on the left flank for his side.
Jesus Navas (RW):
Having got just an hour under his belt against Stoke, Navas, who was not at his best in that game will get another chance to help his side in this FA Cup clash with Middlesbrough.
Kelechi Iheanacho (ST):
Replacing Sergio Aguero as the striker should be Iheanacho, who deserves more game time than he has got this season. He should lead City’s attacking line this weekend.