Bobb and Gomez in - Man City predicted XI vs Huddersfield in FA Cup fixture
Pep Guardiola is expected to ring in a number of changes for Manchester City’s FA Cup Third Round clash with Huddersfield Town on Sunday as the Blues get their defence of their third Treble crown underway.
They will be eager to begin 2024 on a good footing and the hosts will be huge favourites to go through. Kevin De Bruyne, Jeremy Doku and Erling Haaland are all nearing a return but are not expected to start this weekend.
Guardiola may decide to rest a number of his available options ahead of Newcastle in the league on Saturday with the holders trying to claw back the gap to top spot. However, he will not want to leave the side too inexperienced and so several big-hitters may still make the line-up.
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Stefan Ortega is considered the cup goalkeeper and will likely begin between the sticks. The German has played five times this season, but is yet to keep a clean sheet so he will be keen to ensure his net remains dry.
A much-changed back-line could see Kyle Walker rested with the efficient Rico Lewis brought in to perform his hybrid midfield role. Manuel Akanji may be the experienced head in a defence that could see Josko Gvardiol start at centre-half for just the 10th time this season, having largely played at left-back.
Sergio Gomez may be miffed he does not get a start in this one having begun just three of his eight matches so far this season. An unsteady display in this one could see his future questioned.
Phil Foden has played excellently in the No.10 role and will want to continue his good form knowing that such opportunities in the position may be soon limited with De Bruyne on the edge of
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