Manchester City start their FA Cup campaign on Sunday with a visit from Huddersfield Town. As they’re facing a Championship side, you can expect manager Pep Guardiola to do some squad rotation here. Will Kevin De Bruyne finally return to the pitch?
It is possible, as he went an unused substitute this past weekend, in the win over Sheffield United.
FA Cup Third Round FYIs
Manchester City vs Huddersfield Town
Kick: Sun. Jan. 7, 2pm, Etihad, Manchester, UK
Book on the Premier League authored by The Sports Bank Founder Paul M. Banks: go here
MCFC Preview Material: Team News Starting XI Prediction
Given that the midfield maestro was fit enough to make the bench last time out, it seems logical that he’ll come off the bench and play some minutes against the Terriers this weekend. We just don’t see him starting though.
As for the rest of the lineup, expect something similar to what we saw Pep put on the pitch in Saudi Arabia, for the Club World Cup semifinal and final matches. Yes, there will be some reserves featuring at the jump, but still a pretty strong side overall.
Man City Starting XI Prediction vs Huddersfield (FA Cup 3rd Rd)
Stefan Ortega; Rico Lewis, Manuel Akanji, Nathan Ake, Sergio Gomez; Kalvin Phillips, Mateo Kovacic; Phil Foden, Oscar Bobb, Jack Grealish; Julian Alvarez
Paul M. Banks is the owner/manager of The Sports Bank. He’s also the author of “Transatlantic Passage: How the English Premier League Redefined Soccer in America,” and “No, I Can’t Get You Free Tickets: Lessons Learned From a Life in the Sports Media Industry.”
He’s written for numerous publications, including the New York Daily News, Sports Illustrated and the Chicago Tribune. He regularly appears on NTD News and WGN News Now, while writing for the International Baseball Writers Association of America. You can follow the website on Twitter.