Attention shifts to the fourth-round of the FA Cup this weekend. For Manchester City, they take on Salford City at the Etihad Stadium in the fourth-round of the competition. Pep Guardiola’s side beat the League Two side 8-nil in the third round of the FA Cup last season. Karl Robinson’s side will be eager to put in a better showing today against City. There is no doubt that Pep Guardiola’s side enters today’s match as overwhelming favorites. But the FA Cup is famous for upsets and fairytales, so anything could happen today at the Etihad Stadium.
Here is the latest City injury news and my predicted City starting eleven ahead of today’s match.
Latest Manchester City injury news.
Savinho, Jeremy Doku, Josko Gvardiol, and Mateo Kovacic will all miss today’s match due to injury. However, Pep Guardiola revealed yesterday that Mateo Kovacic has returned to training. The Croatian midfielder has endured a frustrating season due to an Achilles issue that required surgery at the end of last season. Kovacic also suffered a setback that required a second round of surgery, and he has only made two appearances so far this season. The Croatian midfielder won’t play today, but the fact that he is training is good news for Pep Guardiola’s side.
Erling Haaland was taken off at halftime of Manchester City’s 3-nil win over Fulham in midweek. Pep Guardiola revealed that Haaland was suffering from ‘niggles’ and discomfort which saw his taken off in City’s win. It would seem unlikely that City would take any risks with Haaland’s fitness so it seems unlikely that he will play today.
John Stones has continued training and the England international could make his return to the pitch today. Whether or not Stones starts remains to be seen. Given that City will face a hectic schedule towards the back end of this season, if Stones can stay fit it will be a boost for Pep Guardiola’s side in their bid to compete for four trophies this season.
Predicted City starting eleven.
