MX23RW : Thursday, February 6 15:25:08| >> :600:3013973:3013973:

How Manchester City could line up against Port Vale

Ahead of the FA Cup tie between Manchester City and Port Vale on Saturday, Sports Mole looks at how the Premier League side could line up at the Etihad Stadium.

Manchester City begin the defence of their FA Cup crown with a third-round fixture against Port Vale on Saturday evening.

City's struggles in the Premier League this season may lead to Pep Guardiola placing extra priority on winning this competition for a second year in succession.

However, ahead of the first leg of their EFL Cup semi-final with Manchester United, the Spaniard will make alterations for the game against opposition from League Two.

Here, Sports Mole predicts how City may line up for the clash at the Etihad Stadium.



MNCXI VS. PTV

Out: Leroy Sane (knee), Aymeric Laporte (knee)
Doubtful: John Stones (thigh), Ederson (illness), Nicolas Otamendi (undisclosed)

> Click here for Man City's latest injury and suspension news ahead of this match

Having remained as an used substitute against Everton on New Year's Day, Sergio Aguero is expected to start on Saturday, potentially alongside Raheem Sterling who only came on as a late replacement.

Kyle Walker was also rested versus the Toffees, and that may lead to the Englishman being the experienced head in a backline which includes Eric Garcia, Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Angelino.

While John Stones is nearing a return from a thigh injury, the centre-back may only be selected on the bench should he be deemed fit enough for selection.

The midfield could also have a youthful look with Tommy Doyle and Adrian Bernabe in contention for rare appearances in the centre of the pitch.

With Phil Foden having come through 83 minutes on New Year's Day, his spot in the team is likely to go to David Silva.

The versatile Oleksandr Zinchenko could be used on the left wing if Guardiola opts to rest the likes of Kevin De Bruyne and Riyad Mahrez.

body check tags ::
Share this article now:
New Instagram promo
Raheem Sterling celebrates scoring for Man City on November 30, 2019
Read Next:
Raheem Sterling focussed on trophies ahead of goal tally
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free daily transfer newsletter! Sent twice a day during the transfer window.

rhs 2.0
Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool25241060154573
2Manchester CityMan City25163665293651
3Leicester CityLeicester25154654262849
4Chelsea2512584334941
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs2510784032837
6Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd259972623336
7Manchester UnitedMan Utd259883629735
8Wolverhampton WanderersWolves2581163532335
9Everton2596103137-633
10Arsenal2561363234-231
11Burnley2594122838-1031
12Newcastle UnitedNewcastle2587102436-1231
13Southampton2594123146-1531
14Crystal Palace257992229-730
15Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton2568113037-726
16Bournemouth2575132538-1326
17Aston Villa2574143247-1525
18West Ham UnitedWest Ham2566133043-1324
19Watford2558122339-1623
20Norwich CityNorwich2546152447-2318

Subscribe to our Newsletter


Transfer Talk Daily
Match previews - twice weekly
Morning Briefing (7am UTC)
Ultra close-up image of Kevin De Bruyne [NOT FOR USE IN ARTICLES]Get the latest transfer news, match previews and news direct to your inbox!