Guardiola Unleashes Rising Talents: Man City's Youth Brigade Set to Shine Against Salford Amid Injury Crisis
Manchester City host Salford City at the Etihad Stadium once again, 13 months following their devastating 8–0 victory over the League Two outfit in the FA Cup third round.
City maintained their pattern of overwhelming lower-division teams when they crushed Exeter City 10–1 earlier this season, and fortune has smiled upon them in the fourth round with another Salford draw—the visitors might wonder what they've done to earn such repeated harsh treatment for progressing this far.
Unless there's a historic upset of epic proportions, the Citizens should cruise into the fifth round and will be considered among the leading contenders for the trophy. They've already secured a spot in the Carabao Cup final during what might be Pep Guardiola's final campaign in charge, and possess an excellent opportunity to reach the FA Cup's premier occasion.
Match Snapshot
Match Snapshot
Team News
Team News
Guardiola has indicated he'll make a decision following Friday's training session regarding whether Erling Haaland and John Stones will feature in Saturday's FA Cup encounter.
Stones returned to the matchday roster on Wednesday evening but hasn't featured since November, while Haaland was substituted at the interval against Fulham due to an injury concern. There's little logic in risking the forward against such opposition.
Beyond that, the injury situation remains largely unchanged since Fulham's visit to the Etihad. City continue to be without Jérémy Doku, Savinho, Joško Gvardiol and Mateo Kovačić for this weekend's fixture.
Man City Predicted Lineup vs. Salford (4-1-4-1)
Man City Predicted Lineup vs. Salford (4-1-4-1)
GK: James Trafford—An important day awaits Trafford at Wembley, and he'll be hoping for several significant occasions under the famous arch before the campaign concludes.
RB: Rico Lewis—We haven't witnessed much of Lewis in 2026, but he should receive an opportunity here with Matheus Nunes deserving a break.
CB: John Stones—Guardiola questioned Stones' availability for Saturday's match, but if he's cleared to play, it would be sensible to start him and assess his condition.
CB: Max Alleyne—Young defender Alleyne has endured some challenging performances after an encouraging beginning to his City journey. This fixture could provide the ideal platform to rebuild his confidence.
LB: Rayan Aït-Nouri—With Nico O'Reilly excelling in midfield, Aït-Nouri might become City's regular left-back for the remainder of the season.
DM: Nico González—Rodri will almost definitely be rested here, creating an opportunity for González to secure a starting position. Should the 2024 Ballon d'Or recipient face suspension for his remarks following the 2–2 stalemate with Tottenham Hotspur, City will require their January acquisition from last season to deliver significantly.
RM: Rayan Cherki—Cherki has been delightful to observe in the new year, and could enjoy himself immensely this weekend.
CM: Tijjani Reijnders—The Dutch midfielder excelled in City's 3–1 triumph over Newcastle in the Carabao Cup ten days prior, and he'll likely return to the central area.
CM: Nico O'Reilly—Bernardo Silva has demonstrated his winning mentality recently and merits a break. Therefore, O'Reilly, who's thriving in his preferred position and found the net midweek, might retain his spot in the lineup. His inaugural City goal occurred in this same fixture last season.
LM: Ryan McAidoo—The 17-year-old netted on his City debut against Exeter in the third round, making a start here extremely probable.
ST: Omar Marmoush—The Egyptian must capitalize on his chances when Haaland isn't in the starting eleven. The pair appeared incompatible during the recent Premier League encounter with Liverpool, so Marmoush needs to provide Guardiola with food for thought through the center.