Pep Guardiola could name an entirely changed Man City line-up for their Carabao Cup third round clash with West Brom at the Hawthorns.
The Spanish boss is notorious for tinkering with his team’s formation and XI and will surprise fans once again with an experimental team.
Academy wonderkid Phil Foden could get a chance to impress after sitting on City’s first team bench for league games this season.
Several fringe players and recently injured stars could also receive valuable game time as Guardiola attempts to keep his squad match fit.
Here’s Man City’s line up prediction vs West Brom:
Goalkeeper:
Claudio Bravo – The Chilean could get some game time and Ederson in return gets much-needed rest after the horrific injury.
Defence:
Danilo (RB) – The Former Real Madrid defender has featured a lot this season already and Guardiola will have no qualms about playing him over Walker for this game.
Tosin Adarbioyo (CB) – Young centre-back has fallen down in the pecking order even behind Mangala and this would be a good chance to set things right.
Eliaquim Mangala (CB) – The former Porto defender will be hoping to make an impact so that Guardiola can reconsider him amongst the first choice centre-backs.
Leroy Sane (LB) – The fleet-footed winger will be deployed as a left back but will be expected to bomb forward as and when he likes. Scored a brace against Pool and will be looking to add another decent performance so that he can push into the first XI.
Midfield:
Yaya Toure (CDM) – The Ivorian has been left bewildered by his absence from any of the side’s games. He will be hoping to provide steel in midfield for the Blues.
Fabian Delph (CM) – The former Aston Villa player was provided with a chance to leave the club but he chose to stay and fight for his spot at the club. Could be a daunting task but the Hawthorns is a good place to start proving his point.
Phil Foden (CM) – The Stockport-born midfielder was elevated to the first team squad in the summer and wowed everyone with a mature, exciting display against Manchester United in Houston on the pre-season tour.He has been on the bench for three of the six games so far this season but has not got onto the pitch.
Attack:
Ilkay Gundogan(RAM) – The German returned from a long-term injury and impressed in a cameo against Watford last weekend. Should be pulling the strings once again.
Bernardo Silva (LAM) – The AS Monaco player of the season has not had a bright start but Guardiola does not want to stress him too. He is easing him in the first XI and this could be a good chance to prove his credentials.
Gabriel Jesus (CF) – Four goals in the league and one in the Champions League. The Brazilian was withdrawn early against Watford and expect him to start here.
