A Strong Starting XI: Predicted Manchester City Line-Up To Face Huddersfield Town

After a warm, sunny weekend in Abu Dhabi, Manchester City return to action tonight as they go up against Championship side Huddersfield Town in the fifth-round replay of their FA Cup tie at the Etihad Stadium.

The Sky Blues will be looking to seal a place in the quarterfinals of the event, with Middlesbrough awaiting to play the winners of this fixture. The two sides played out a goalless draw in their last meeting but Pep Guardiola’s side will be out for blood as they chase silverware in the Spaniard’s first season in charge.

City will be without the services of injury-ridden Ilkay Gundogan and Gabriel Jesus. Captain Vincent Kompany will also be unavailable after facing another injury setback. The rest of the squad is fit and available for Guardiola to pick from and given their recent break and all the players well-rested, he will look to field a strong starting XI.

Here, we take a look at the predicted Man City line-up that could take the pitch at the Etihad:

Formation: 4-1-4-1

Claudio Bravo (GK)

The Chilean has lost his first-team place to Willy Caballero in the league and Champions League and as a result which he will feature between the sticks against the minnows in the cup tie.

Bacary Sagna (RB)

Sagna has been one of the very few consistent defenders for City this season and Guardiola will call upon him to steady the ship at the back.

John Stones (CB)

The summer arrival has had a mixed season so far, but with captain Vincent Kompany unavailable due to injury, Stones will start the game tonight.

Nicolas Otamendi (CB)

The Argentine international has been error-prone in recent weeks and has been beaten for pace by forwards, but he will need to up his game if City are to qualify for the next round.

Gael Clichy (CB)

Probably the weakest link in the City backline due to which he has gone behind Aleksandar Kolarov and midfielder Fernandinho in the pecking order. But Guardiola will see this game as a chance to give him some minutes and provide a confidence boost.

Fernando (DM)

The Brazilian international has had to make do with playing a bit-part role this term, but we expect him to start on Wednesday to shield a shaky defence.

Raheem Sterling (RM)

The former Liverpool man has been absolutely devastating in recent weeks and the Citizens will be heavily relying on him to deliver the goods once again against Huddersfield.

Kevin De Bruyne (CM)

De Bruyne along with David Silva has been City’s best player this season but will start the game ahead of the Spaniard in the midfield.

Yaya Toure (CM)

The Ivorian has been a vital presence for City after his reinstatement to the squad and we expect him to partner De Bruyne in the middle of the park for the cup clash.

Leroy Sane (LM)

The summer arrival is finally showing why City paid the huge sum to bring him in and is beginning to repay the transfer fee with some glittering displays on the left-flank. Expect him to feature from the get-go.

Sergio Aguero (ST)

After a brief hiatus post Gabriel Jesus’ brilliant introduction, Aguero has found his way back into the team due to the Brazilian’s injury and shown signs of form against Monaco in Europe. He will lead the line against Huddersfield.