Haaland Gets Well-Deserved Break as Guardiola Rotates Squad for Huddersfield Clash
Pep Guardiola showed little interest in tactical analysis following Sunday's 1-1 stalemate at Arsenal, where Manchester City employed a defensive strategy more commonly linked with the Spanish manager's philosophical rival.
José Mourinho likely couldn't help but smirk upon discovering Guardiola's 'negative football' tactics used to preserve a potential win at the Emirates. Eager to justify his approach, the City manager argued that such defensive measures were essential due to City's demanding fixture list.
Only three days earlier, they had secured a 2-0 triumph against Napoli in the Champions League, while Arsenal enjoyed over 48 additional hours to recuperate from their midweek commitments.
Therefore, significant squad rotation is anticipated from Guardiola for Wednesday evening's Carabao Cup clash at Huddersfield Town. City last claimed this trophy in 2021, having secured it four times from 2018 to 2021, but it could offer their strongest opportunity for silverware this campaign.
Here's how the Citizens might set up at the Accu Stadium against third-tier opponents.
Man City Predicted Lineup vs. Huddersfield (4-1-4-1)
GK: James Trafford—The promising English shot-stopper must be delighted with his Manchester move. With Gianluigi Donnarumma also arriving, Trafford's opportunities will be restricted to cup competitions.
RB: Matheus Nunes—Nunes entered the match at halftime on Sunday after Abdukodir Khusanov sustained an injury. The versatile Portuguese player will probably maintain this position, having featured intermittently in the new campaign's opening stages.
CB: John Stones—Stones would have previously been rested for such fixtures, but these matches now serve as opportunities for the England international to regain match sharpness.
CB: Stephen Mfuni—Guardiola frequently provides academy prospects with opportunities in this tournament, and with limited senior center-back options available, 16-year-old Mfuni might earn his place in the starting eleven.
LB: Nathan Aké—Should Guardiola choose to debut Mfuni, there will be substantial experience surrounding him. Aké excels both centrally and in the full-back position.
DM: Nico González—A direct replacement for Rodri in the holding midfield role, as the Spaniard certainly won't be risked in this fixture.
RM: Oscar Bobb—The talented Norwegian has been relatively absent since the season's opening fortnight, but Bobb is certain to reclaim his starting position for the midweek encounter.
CM: Rico Lewis—Lewis recently secured his long-term commitment to the club, though questions persist regarding his optimal position. Guardiola has previously deployed him in midfield and will expect the compact Englishman to assume leadership responsibilities.
CM: Tijjani Reijnders—City previously boasted numerous midfield alternatives, but with İlkay Gündoğan and James McAtee departing, plus Rayan Cherki sidelined through injury, Guardiola's options are limited. Reijnders delivered a solid performance on Sunday.
LM: Savinho—The Brazilian winger is set for his maiden start of the campaign and will be eager to make his mark, having reportedly preferred a summer move to Tottenham Hotspur. Savinho is determined to secure a place in Brazil's World Cup squad next summer.
ST: Phil Foden—City have relied heavily on Erling Haaland at the season's start, making Wednesday's performance without him intriguing, even against modest opposition. Foden has frequently operated as a false nine under Guardiola's guidance.
