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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Dan Brown

Erling Haaland, Julian Alvarez and Cole Palmer start in Man City predicted line-up vs Arsenal

Manchester City will be looking to progress to the fifth round of the FA Cup when they face Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium on Friday night.

Pep Guardiola's side defeated Chelsea 4-0 in the last round of the competition, with Riyad Mahrez (2), Julian Alvarez and Phil Foden all on target for the Blues.

City responded well to the derby defeat to Manchester United by overcoming Tottenham and Wolves in their last two matches. The reigning Premier League champions are currently five points behind league leaders Arsenal having played a game more than the London outfit.

ALSO READ: Arteta rules two Arsenal players out vs City in FA Cup

Guardiola revealed on Thursday that there are no fresh injury concerns, and while he confirmed that Foden was back in training, the England international is unlikely to feature after being sidelined with an injury.

Stefan Ortega started in the FA Cup third round win over Graham Potter's side and he is expected to continue as the cup goalkeeper. The German shot-stopper has been impressive when in action for City, making six appearances for the Blues. With Ederson having played in every single Premier League game this season, it would be a great opportunity to give him a break.

Guardiola has been starting with a back three in recent weeks, but he could mix it up against Arsenal. Rico Lewis, while playing in midfield, has been starting ahead of Kyle Walker, so it would not be a surprise to see the England international return to the side. On the other flank, Sergio Gomez - who has started just seven matches this term - should get another chance. At the heart of defence, it could really be any of the centre-backs, but Ruben Dias needs minutes and he could potentially partner Aymeric Laporte.

In midfield, Kevin De Bruyne is expected to start, as is Rodri. Bernardo Silva came off the bench against Wolves, but the Portuguese ace could come in to replace Ilkay Gundogan. The Germany international has played the last two matches and could benefit from a rest amid the hectic fixture schedule. While the cup competitions should provide Kalvin Phillips with the chance of minutes, he has struggled this season and Guardiola could go safe with Rodri.

Jack Grealish and Mahrez have started alongside Erling Haaland in the last two matches, but it would not come as a surprise to see the wingers dropped to the bench. It could be another chance for Cole Palmer to show what he can do, and Alvarez could once again play in attack - whether on the wing or alongside Haaland.

Predicted line-up vs Arsenal: Ortega; Walker, Dias, Laporte, Gomez; Rodri, Bernardo, De Bruyne; Alvarez, Haaland, Palmer.

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