After a demoralising defeat at Anfield, Manchester City managed to put two past Burnley in a tense finish at the Etihad in the first game of the Premier League for both sides this year. The manager will not be happy with the performances of his side recently and will hope that they can improve on it in weeks to come but he does not have too much time to dwell on it as he gets the first taste of the FA Cup in England. Pep Guardiola will take his side to the Olympic Stadium this week for the third round FA Cup tie as both teams look for silverware this season. The Manchester City manager will know that domestic success can go a long way in deciding the outcome of the season and will surely go in with a strong side.
Here is the predicted lineup he might field for this game:
Team News:
Manchester City are still without the services of skipper Vincent Kompany, midfielders Fabian Delph and Ilkay Gundogan for this game. Fernandinho is out of this game through suspension while Leroy Sane is not declared fit enough yet to start this game.
Expected lineup (4-1-4-1):
Willy Caballero:
The backup for Bravo in the squad, Caballero, has been superb whenever he was called upon and he should start this game for Manchester City.
Pablo Zabaleta:
With Sagna cementing a place in the starting XI in the league, Pep Guardiola should go with the experienced Zabaleta for this game against West Ham.
John Stones:
The English defender just got a minute of action in the previous game and he should get a chance to start this FA Cup tie this weekend.
Nicolas Otamendi:
Keeping the defense strong, Pep Guardiola should go with Otamendi, who has been decent in recent games, to keep West Ham away from danger.
Gael Clichy:
The goal scorer for Manchester City in the previous game, Clichy, should keep his place in the side as a left-back for this trip to London.
Fernando:
The Brazilian has not been the first choice for the club this season but he should get a chance to start this FA Cup tie against West Ham in the midfield for his side.
Yaya Toure:
The experienced midfielder is slowly getting back into the first team under Guardiola and he should be brought back into the starting XI of the team.
Nolito:
The summer buy for Manchester City, Nolito has not been a regular starter for Guardiola this season but he should get his chance for this game against West Ham.
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Aleix Garcia:
The 19-year-old is the first choice youngster for Guardiola in games like these and the manager will hope that he can prove himself when given such chances.
Jesus Navas:
Having been taken off at half-time in the previous game, Navas should be relatively fresh and should start this game for Manchester City.
Kelechi Iheanacho:
Though ineffective in the previous game, Iheanacho is a top class player who can make things happen and will be a big threat in front of goal in this FA Cup fixture.