Haaland Rested as Guardiola Rotates Squad for Swansea Carabao Cup Clash
The Carabao Cup final was previously considered Manchester City's annual showcase, but Pep Guardiola's team hasn't reached the tournament's finale since 2021.
Different priorities and their recent struggles have allowed the silverware to be distributed among various clubs in recent seasons, though the Citizens might mount a genuine campaign in 2025–26.
They've received two favorable draws to begin their quest, and Guardiola will feel confident enough to make changes to his starting eleven for Wednesday evening's fourth-round encounter at Swansea City, despite suffering another loss to Aston Villa on Sunday.
The coach has announced that some key players will be rested during the midweek fixture, so with this in consideration, here's how the away team might set up in South Wales.
Man City Predicted Lineup vs. Swansea (4-1-4-1)
GK: James Trafford—The ex-Burnley shot-stopper might have displaced Ederson as first choice, but Gianluigi Donnarumma's signing means Trafford's playing time will be restricted to domestic cup matches.
RB: Matheus Nunes—Since Rico Lewis is favored in central midfield, Nunes could earn another opportunity at right-back. City remain without Abdukodir Khusanov due to injury.
CB: Rúben Dias—John Stones will receive some midweek rest after consecutive starts, but Dias is expected to maintain his position at the center of Guardiola's backline, considering the shortage of right-sided options.
CB: Nathan Aké—The Dutch defender has featured intermittently this campaign and might get an opportunity to showcase his abilities to Guardiola.
LB: Nico O'Reilly—Rayan Aït-Nouri is prepared for his first outing since August, though he'll probably begin as a substitute. Joško Gvardiol was selected ahead of O'Reilly at left-back on Sunday, so the City academy product should return to the starting lineup.
DM: Nico González—The former Porto midfielder recovered from a minor injury to appear as a substitute at Aston Villa and should be fit to start in South Wales.
RM: Savinho—The Brazilian winger has been a consistent presence recently, after experiencing an interrupted beginning to the 2025–26 campaign due to alleged injury concerns and transfer rumors. He impressed in the last round.
AM: Rayan Cherki—Cherki has recovered from his injury problems and could function as the visitors' primary creative force in the middle of the park.
AM: Bernardo Silva—Rico Lewis will be evaluated for a midfield role, but Guardiola might choose to frustrate City fans by keeping his experienced stalwart alongside Cherki to provide defensive stability.
LW: Jérémy Doku—City lacked Doku's creativity over the weekend, and he should receive approximately an hour of action on Wednesday before Bournemouth's visit to the Etihad.
ST: Omar Marmoush—Erling Haaland won't be available for the visitors midweek, but City managed without him against Huddersfield in the third round. They now have a more appropriate replacement in Marmoush, who sometimes played as a striker during the latter part of last season.
