Predicted Manchester City line-up to face Fulham in the Carabao Cup
Carabao Cup defending champions Manchester City welcome out of sorts Fulham in a Round of 16 tie at the Etihad Stadium this Thursday. Pep Guardiola’s men were the dominant of the two sides when they met in a Premier League clash at the same venue.
More of the same is expected from this game as well, with the Cottagers really struggling to put things together.
City would be aiming to continue their dominance in English football by not only staying on top of the league but also by progressing in the cup competitions. They possess the kind of squad depth which can handle the demands of the manager.
Team News
Ilkay Gundogan is out with a thigh injury and isn’t expected to be back before the upcoming international break. Danilo and Claudio Bravo are long-term absentees for the club.
Probable Manchester City XI
Formation: 4-3-3
Manager: Pep Guardiola
Arijanet Muric (GK)
The youngster started in the last round and impressed. He should get another chance with Bravo still out.
Kyle Walker (RB)
With Danilo out, Walker could continue to play at right-back.
Vincent Kompany (CB)
The club captain came on very late in the game against Spurs and should be fit and fresh to start this match.
Nicolas Otamendi (CB)
Despite the Argentine not starting many games this season, he is still a wonderful player and fits the system of Guardiola. He is expected to start on Thursday.
Oleksandr Zinchenko (LB)
The Ukrainian started against Oxford in the Round of 32 tie. With Benjamin Mendy touted to get a game off, Zinchenko is there to start.
John Stones (CDM)
City are a bit short in the defensive midfield because Fernandinho more than deserves to get a rest for this game and fill in for Gundogan, who is injured. Hence we could see Stones play that role on Thursday.
Phil Foden (RCM)
The youngster was impressive when he played against Oxford. Expect him to get another go against an out-of-form Fulham side.
Kevin de Bruyne (LCM)
This might be the game for de Bruyne to get his match fitness back. He looked rusty after coming on against Spurs.Therefore, playing at home in a cup tie against a struggling side could be the perfect way to get his touch back.
Leroy Sane (LW)
The German was on the bench on Monday. As a result, he should be fresh enough to start this game.
Gabriel Jesus (ST)
The Brazilian has found it tough to displace Sergio Aguero in the starting XI. However, he has started the cup games.
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Brahim Diaz (RW)
With Raheem Sterling and Riyad Mahrez expected to get a rest, we may see Diaz in action for the Cityzens.
