Manchester City predicted lineup vs. Tottenham Hotspur: Carabao Cup

On By Littum

An exhausted Manchester City is heading to north London to take on Tottenham Hotspur in the Carabao Cup.

The defending English champions may be top of the Premier League table, but the points don’t tell the whole story of the injury crisis that has hit Pep Guardiola’s side. Not only is the newest Ballon d’Or winner, Rodri out for the season, but Oscar Bobb is not expected back until the New Year. Kevin De Bruyne and Kyle Walker remain sidelined with a groin and thigh injury respectively.

Jack Grealish is also set to miss his third game in a row for the Citizens as he deals with an undisclosed injury. Jérémy Doku, meanwhile, is probably out until the international break in November.

With so many injuries and three more away games coming up in the next 10 days, expect Guardiola to rely on his academy players for the Carabao Cup, a competition he admitted City “wouldn’t waste energy” on.

Here’s how City’s XI could look against Tottenham.

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GK: Stefan Ortega— Expect Ederson’s backup to return to the starting XI for the domestic cup tie.

RB: Rico Lewis— Without Walker available, the 19-year-old will again get the nod as right back. After starting just 17 games across all competitions last season, Lewis is already set for his 13th start of City’s 2024-2025 campaign.

CB: John Stones– After playing just one minute against Southampton at the weekend, the England international will support the backline against Spurs.

CB: Kaden Braithwaite— The academy player impressed alongside Stones against Watford in the third round of the competition. He could be in for his second first team appearance of the season aged just 16.

LB: Nathan Aké— Aké has recovered from an injury and replaces Joško Gvardiol on the left flank. The Dutchman did not feature from the bench against Southampton, making him one of Guardiola’s most rested players.

DM: Nico O’Reilly– The academy player can make his third first-team appearance this season. The 19-year-old was tidy in possession and reliable in his own half against Watford in the third round of the Carabao Cup.

DM: İlkay Gündoğan-The ex-Barcelona man is another player Guardiola can rotate into his XI, especially after playing just four minutes against Southampton. Gündoğan brings plenty of experience to the midfield to complement his young supporting cast.

RW: Savinho– The Brazilian is one of City’s most creative playmakers, even when he starts on the right rather than his preferred left.

AM: James McAtee– Expect the 22-year-old to continue to get minutes as City deal with their injury crisis. The midfielder scored his first senior goal for the Citizens against ŠK Slovan Bratislava earlier this month.

LW: Matheus Nunes– Despite his inconsistent minutes, Nunes already has two goals and four assists for City this season, including the winner against Watford to send City through to the next round of the Carabao Cup.

ST: Phil Foden— Fresh from finishing 11th in the 2024 Ballon d’Or rankings, the England international could lead the line on Wednesday, allowing Erling Haaland to get some rest.

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