Predicted Man City XI to face Brighton in the FA Cup semi-final
Man City leapfrogged ahead of Liverpool to reclaim top spot in the Premier League with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Cardiff City on Wednesday night.
Pep Guardiola’s side will be looking to inch a step closer in their pursuit of the quadruple when they lock horns with Brighton and Hove Albion in the semi-finals of the FA Cup at Wembley on Saturday.
The Citizens came from behind to beat Swansea City 3-2 in the quarterfinals of the competition, while Brighton edged out Championship strugglers Millwall on penalties to set up an intriguing clash at Wembley.
Man City will be the strong favourites to progress to the finals while Brighton, on the other hand, will be looking for a major upset.
Team News
Oleksandr Zinchenko suffered a hamstring injury in City’s mid-week fixture against Cardiff and is ruled out for the FA Cup game, while Guardiola is unlikely to risk Sergio Aguero on Saturday after the talisman missed the last fixture with a knock.
Fabian Delph, Claudio Bravo and Benjamin Mendy are all long-term absentees for the Citizens.
Formation: 4-3-3
Manager: Pep Guardiola
Predicted XI
1. Ederson Moraes (GK)
The Brazilian has been as solid as a rock between the sticks for Man City this season and he is surely an undisputed starter in the semi-final.
2. Kyle Walker (RB)
The Englishman came off the bench against Cardiff but he will be expected to start on Saturday.
3. Vincent Kompany (CB)
The veteran has slipped down the pecking order this season but Guardiola should rely on his experience and composure for this one.
4. Nicolas Otamendi (CB)
The Argentine international started in the quarterfinal victory over Swansea and might get his chance once again this weekend.
5. Aymeric Laporte (LB)
The Frenchman has been one of the standout performers for City at the heart of the defence but he has also filled in admirably at left-back so Guardiola should rely on him to play in an unfamiliar role to cover for Zinchenko’s absence.
6. Ilkay Gundogan (CM)
Fernandinho made his return from injury against Cardiff but Guardiola should be aware of not putting too much pressure on the veteran and the German might get a start in the FA Cup tie.
7. Bernardo Silva (RCM)
He didn’t feature in the mid-week game, which means that he is likely to be handed a start against Brighton in the cup game.
8. David Silva (LCM)
The Spaniard has been in blistering form for the Citizens this season and he is likely to start on Saturday after being rested to make way for Phil Foden in the mid-week game.
9. Raheem Sterling (RW)
He was rested for the game on Wednesday but Guardiola is likely to welcome him back to the starting eleven for the FA Cup semi-final.
10. Leroy Sane (LW)
The German has been an absolute livewire down the left for City and they will be hoping for him to deliver the goods once again on Saturday.
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11. Gabriel Jesus (ST)
The Brazilian missed some simple clear-cut chances against Cardiff but the injury to Aguero might see him continue in the starting eleven.
