Following last weekend’s draw with Liverpool Manchester City return to FA Cup action this weekend. The FA Cup holders will host Newcastle at the Etihad Stadium as they bid to progress to the semi-final stage of this seasons FA Cup.
Eddie Howe’s men stand in the way of Pep Guardiola’s sides defence of the FA Cup crown they won last season. Another big game awaits the world champions this weekend.
Manchester City injury update
As it stands, it appears that the FA Cup holders will have three players unavailable through injury. Ederson, Jack Grealish, and Kevin De Bruyne all appear set to miss tomorrow’s game at the Etihad.
Jack Grealish continues his recovery from a groin injury he suffered against Luton Town. The winger appears unlikely to return until after the international break. Grealish missed out on selection in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for their upcoming friendlies over the international break. A further update on the condition of Grealish is expected when Pep Guardiola faces the media later today.
Ederson is sidelined for up to a month with a thigh injury he suffered at Anfield last weekend. His injury is a blow for Pep Guardiola’s side, but it does give Stefan Ortega the opportunity to shine in goal for Manchester City.
Finally, Kevin De Bruyne withdrew from international duty due to a minor groin injury. Belgian football expert Kristof Terruer broke the news yesterday via his official X account. It would appear that tomorrow’s game against Newcastle will see De Bruyne miss out as he recovers from the issue.
Predicted City starting eleven
Stefan Ortega: Ortega likely would’ve started given that he is City’s FA Cup keeper. With Ederson’s injury, he now has a chance to impress and will start against Newcastle.
Manuel Akanji: It’s a toss-up between Walker and Akanji for the right-back role, but I believe Akanji will get the nod.
Ruben Dias: He missed out last weekend against Liverpool as he was surprisingly dropped to the bench. He should start tomorrow against Eddie Howe’s side.
John Stones: The England international has returned to his best form of late. That should see him start tomorrow at the Etihad.
Josko Gvardiol: Another player who missed out against Liverpool. He needs minutes after returning from injury and should start tomorrow.
Rodri: Will likely start given what’s at stake tomorrow. The question will be if he has support in midfield.
Mateo Kovacic: Given his impressive cameo last weekend and City’s need for control in midfield, the Croatian should resume his partnership with Rodri against Newcastle.
Bernardo Silva: With De Bruyne out, he is almost an automatic selection. Bernardo will likely be looking to redeem himself for a quiet display at Anfield last weekend.
Phil Foden: Foden should start again against Newcastle. The question will be if he plays out wide or in a more central role.
Oscar Bobb: Tomorrow’s game looks to be the ideal setting for Bobb to start. He did score a spectacular winner against Newcastle earlier this season, and he may have another opportunity to shine if he is named to start.
Erling Haaland: City’s number 9 had a quiet game at Anfield last weekend. He usually follows that with a big performance and should start against Eddie Howe’s side.
