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Manchester City continue their quest for more domestic glory on Saturday when they welcome Liverpool in the FA Cup quarterfinals.
City secured their first piece of silverware this season before the March international break, with Nico O'Reilly's brace delivering a 2–0 Carabao Cup final victory over Premier League title contenders Arsenal. A domestic treble remains a possibility, however improbable it may seem right now.
The Cityzens must overcome a tricky quarterfinal fixture to keep that dream alive, drawing confidence from consecutive Premier League wins against Liverpool this campaign.
Defensive Concerns for Pep Guardiola
All three of Pep Guardiola's injury worries are concentrated in the center of his backline. Joško Gvardiol is a confirmed absentee at center back as he continues his recovery from a long-term leg problem, while Rúben Dias and John Stones are significant doubts—the former missing the cup final and the latter picking up an injury while on England duty.
Fortunately, Guardiola has Marc Guéhi back in contention after he was cup-tied for the Arsenal victory at Wembley. The Englishman is expected to partner Abdukodir Khusanov at the back on Saturday.
Beyond that, City are unlikely to deviate from the cup final lineup. James Trafford will retain his place in goal, O'Reilly will feature at left back, and a formidable attacking unit featuring Antoine Semenyo, Rayan Cherki, Jérémy Doku and Erling Haaland is set to pose serious problems for Liverpool.
Man City Predicted Lineup vs. Man City (4-2-3-1)
GK: James Trafford—Trafford cemented his status as City's cup goalkeeper with a stunning triple save early in the Carabao Cup final, and his confidence will be soaring following his England debut during the international window.
RB: Matheus Nunes—Questions persist over Nunes's defensive capabilities, but the converted right back provides Guardiola's side with vital forward momentum down the right flank.
CB: Abdukodir Khusanov—With Gvardiol, Stones and Dias all sidelined, Khusanov looks set to start against the relentless Hugo Ekitiké on Saturday.
CB: Marc Guéhi—Had events unfolded differently last summer, Guéhi would be pulling on a red shirt at the Etihad this weekend. City are delighted he's wearing light blue instead.
LB: Nico O'Reilly—City's local hero in the Carabao Cup final, O'Reilly once again demonstrated his undeniable attacking threat with his box-to-box energy. Whether deployed at left back or in midfield, he remains a constant danger to opposition defenses.
DM: Rodri—Rodri spent the international break amid Real Madrid speculation between Spain friendlies, but his spot in City's starting XI should remain secure regardless.
DM: Bernardo Silva—Silva turned back the clock with an impressive Wembley performance and benefited from a rest during the international break, having been left out of the Portugal squad to manage his workload.
RW: Antoine Semenyo—Semenyo's season got off to a brilliant start with a brace against Liverpool, and the powerful winger is expected to cause further headaches for former Bournemouth teammate Milos Kerkez.
AM: Rayan Cherki—Cherki turned heads with his showboating in the Carabao Cup final, the Frenchman clearly brimming with self-belief. Love or loathe his flair, no one can question his extraordinary talent.
LW: Jérémy Doku—Doku has tormented Trent Alexander-Arnold in previous seasons and once again dismantled Liverpool in the Premier League encounter back in November, netting in the 3–0 win as he ran rings around Conor Bradley.
ST: Erling Haaland—Haaland has scored both home and away against the Reds this season and could well single-handedly dismantle an underperforming Liverpool defense.