The Manchester City Lineup That Should Start Against Arsenal

Manchester City will resume their defence of the FA Cup when they face Arsenal on Saturday at Wembley Stadium.


Man City manager Pep Guardiola has an incredible record at Wembley, having lost only once there in ten visits. That sole defeat? An FA Cup semi-final against Arsenal.


Nacho Monreal scored as Arsenal beat Man City 2-1 in 2017.

With nothing left to play for in the league, Guardiola rested several of his most important players in the 2-1 home victory over Bournemouth on Wednesday.


Here is the side that the City boss could name to face Arsenal.



1. Goalkeeper and Defenders

Ederson may make his first FA Cup appearance this season

Ederson (GK) - Despite Guardiola preferring Claudio Bravo for FA Cup matches this season, Ederson may step in for this game. The Brazilian has never lost an FA Cup fixture since joining City in 2017.

Kyle Walker (RB) - Despite being hooked at half time against Bournemouth, the speedy right-back is likely to start. Guardiola evidently trusts Walker more than Portuguese full-back Joao Cancelo, who has made less than half of the appearances of his English teammate.

Eric Garcia (CB)
- After replacing Walker on Wednesday, Garcia could be set for his 20th appearance for the Citizens. The 19-year old played 89 minutes against Saturday's opponents before being stretchered off in June, and also played the full 90 in the 4-0 win over Fulham in January.

Aymeric Laporte (CB) - One notable absentee from the win over Bournemouth was French defender Aymeric Laporte, so expect him to start this one.

Benjamin Mendy (LB) - Mendy still awaits his first goal since signing for City in 2017. The former Monaco man assisted the winner in the fifth round tie against Sheffield Wednesday.



2. Midfielders

De Bruyne will return for Man City

Rodri (CM) - City's record signing was a substitute against Bournemouth and is expected to return to the starting XI for Saturday's game. David Brooks' consolation was the first goal that Guardiola's side have conceded while Rodri was on the pitch in over four hours.

Kevin De Bruyne (CM) - One man who is a certainty to start is Belgian playmaker Kevin De Bruyne. The 29-year old will be hoping to net his fourth goal against Arsenal this season, having converted a penalty at the Etihad to go with his brace at the Emirates.

Ilkay Gundogan (CM) - The German international has a good record at Wembley Stadium. He converted a penalty for Borussia Dortmund in the 2013 Champions League final, as well as another penalty against Spurs in 2018.



3. Forwards

Jesus will start in Aguero's absence

Riyad Mahrez (RW) - The former PFA POTY winner was another player who was relegated to the bench on Wednesday. Mahrez has appeared in every FA Cup fixture for Guardiola's team this season.

Gabriel Jesus (ST) - With Aguero still sidelined, Jesus remains City's only available striker. The Brazilian enjoyed the latter stages of last season's competition, scoring the only goal in the semi-final against Brighton, then adding a brace in the 6-0 thumping of Watford.

Raheem Sterling (LW) - 25-year old Sterling has been in magnificent goalscoring form since the restart, netting seven times in eight appearances. He needs just four more goals to hit the 100 mark for Man City.




Source : 90min