Manchester City will return to cup competitions on Wednesday evening when they make the long trip down to Southampton for the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.
City were at their best on Sunday afternoon when they breezed past Chelsea in the third round of the FA Cup. A grand total of seven changes were made for the FA Cup and it would not be beyond Pep Guardiola to make another seven again to ensure the squad remains fresh.
Southampton announced on Monday that they will be welcoming back some of their first-team players this week after resting them in the FA Cup themselves so the Blues will have to be in top form to progress. With another round of rotation expected then, MEN Sport has predicted how we think City will line up vs the Saints.
ALSO READ: Every word from Guardiola's press conference pre-Southampton
Goalkeeper - Stefan Ortega
It was a quiet afternoon for Ortega on Sunday as Chelsea were well off the pace at the Etihad Stadium. The German has been City's cup goalkeeper this season and it seems right that he should start again at St Mary's.
Do not be surprised to see Ederson feature though. With the Manchester derby on the horizon this Saturday, Guardiola may opt to bring in his first choice to ensure he has his eye in for the Old Trafford trip.
Defenders - Rico Lewis, John Stones, Nathan Ake, Sergio Gomez
Joao Cancelo appears to be out of favour at present and his case to return to the starting line-up vs Southampton was hindered when he came on as a substitute against Chelsea and was promptly booked for a needless challenge. Gomez impressed though and perhaps earned his opportunity to keep his place.
Lewis, Stones and Ake were all rested against Graham Potter's men at the weekend with only the former getting five minutes to feature at the death. Kyle Walker will likely be rested with the derby around the corner so this back four is most likely for the Blues.
Midfielders - Kalvin Phillips, Kevin De Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan
Many people were surprised to see Rodri start against Chelsea after looking exhausted against the same opposition four days prior. Surely he will be given a chance to rest now that Guardiola has confirmed that Phillips is ready to start.
De Bruyne and captain Gundogan received rests against Chelsea and it would be a surprise if they are not reintroduced against the Saints.
Forwards - Riyad Mahrez, Erling Haaland, Julian Alvarez
If fresh, Mahrez is undroppable at this time. The performances from the Algerian have been stunning and his brace against Chelsea was proof of that.
Haaland will be itching to return to the starting line-up and the cup match against the Saints would be a great time to experiment with the Norwegian and Alvarez in the same XI. Jack Grealish could benefit with a week out to continue his recovery from illness while Phil Foden can also receive a rest ahead of Manchester United.
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