Manchester City start their quest to win the Carabao Cup for a ninth time on Wednesday when they travel across the M62 to take on Huddersfield Town at the Accu Stadium.
Man City predicted lineup vs Huddersfield
Man City (4-5-1): Trafford; Nunes, Stones, Ake, Lewis; Bobb, Silva, Gonzalez, Reijnders, Savinho; Foden.
The Citizens were eliminated in the fourth round by Tottenham last season, but they have a great record in the competition in recent years, lifting the trophy six times since the 2013-14 season.
Huddersfield have already pulled off two shocks to beat Leicester City and Sunderland on penalties, but they will need to produce their best performance of the season to even come close to getting a result.
The tie will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Premier League from the Accu Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 7:45pm.
Man City team news vs Huddersfield
Wednesday’s tie in Yorkshire gives Man City boss Pep Guardiola the perfect opportunity to rest some of his first-team stars and give fringe players some vital minutes.
The likes of Mateo Kovacic, Rayan Ait-Nouri, Omar Marmoush and Rayan Cherki are all still sidelined and are not expected to play for the next few weeks.
Striker Erling Haaland was likely to be rested anyway, but Guardiola confirmed he complained of a small back issue after the 1-1 draw against Arsenal on Sunday and he too will miss out.
Defender Abdukodir Khusanov was replaced at half-time against the Gunners and the club have yet to confirm what issue he is dealing with.
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Goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma replaced James Trafford after his summer arrival from Paris Saint-Germain, but the former Burnley man should be back in between the sticks in Yorkshire.
Phil Foden recently returned to form in the derby win over Manchester United and he is expected to lead the line in a false nine role, while the likes of Savinho, Rico Lewis, Nico Gonzalez and Oscar Bobb are all hoping to start and build up their fitness.
Man City’s momentum builder
The Carabao Cup has been a momentum builder for Man City in recent seasons and it looks like the club will need to repeat that feat this year.
Guardiola’s side have already fallen eight points behind Liverpool in the race for the title and they are ninth in the table.
The former Barcelona boss has said he needs to “take care” of his players like “a father and mother take care of their sons” due to the congested fixture schedule.
City’s second string should still have enough quality to outclass the Terriers, but the Citizens need their fringe players to find some confidence ahead of the winter period.
Guardiola’s men came within minutes of beating Arsenal after deploying new defensive tackles and they will need a successful Carabao Cup run to try and build momentum in other competitions.