Doku To Start? | Predicted 4-1-4-1 Manchester City Lineup To Face Salford City | OneFootball

After a dreadful run of results, Manchester City are finally on the recovery trail with successive Premier League wins versus Leicester City and West Ham United. While they have a tricky test on the road against Brentford on Tuesday night, Pep Guardiola must rest his first-team stars on Saturday evening when they host minnows Salford City to kickstart their FA Cup campaign.

The Ammie, currently competing in the fourth tier of the English pyramid, have been in the news since the legends from Man United’s ‘Class of 92’ bought 10% shares each. Although the outfit from Greater Manchester are no match for the reigning English champions, an upset this weekend would be historic both for this prestigious tournament and the Salfordians from the western bank of the River Irwell.

Predicted 4-1-4-1 Manchester City Lineup To Face Salford City

Defence

Ederson is back in the team training overcoming a leg injury. But the gaffer should not rush his return considering Stefan Ortega’s calmness, stability and composure between the sticks. The German custodian must keep his place ahead of the veteran Scott Carson.

Young academy prodigy Rico Lewis has exhibited his versatility both in defence and the centre of the pitch. He could be shifted down the left to make way for Kyle Walker on the right. The latter has lost his starting status after a string of below-par performances, but the upcoming Cup contest should help him boost his confidence. Josko Gvardiol and Manuel Akanji should be rested amid injuries to John Stones and Ruben Dias. Teenage starlet Jahmai Simpson-Pusey might grab a start alongside Nathan Ake in the heart of the backline.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – JANUARY 04: Erling Haaland of Manchester City scores his team’s second goal during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and West Ham United FC at Etihad Stadium on January 04, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

Midfield

Rodri’s season-ending ACL injury has disrupted City’s title chase. They have brought Ilkay Gundogan back, but the experienced German ace is now a shadow of his earlier self. Yet he should start as a ‘number six’ to hand Mateo Kovacic a much-needed rest. Ever-present Bernardo Silva might retain his place in the middle of the park, and the Spanish tactician must replace Kevin De Bruyne in favour of talented academy prospect Nico O’Reilly. Jeremy Doku could feature from the left, also, James McAtee needs to exhibit his flair and finesse if handed a start down the right-hand flank.

Jack Grealish should be involved as well even though his days look numbered after months of disappointment. Savinho and Phil Foden would be introduced if things go south for the home side.

Attack

Erling Haaland is tipped to spearhead the attack with Divin Mubama in contention to make his debut as a second-half substitute.