How Man City could line up in EFL Cup clash vs Swansea City (4-1-4-1) | OneFootball

Manchester City are eyeing a spot in the EFL Cup quarter finals as they take on Championship strugglers Swansea City in the fourth round of the competition on Wednesday night.

The Cityzens head into the game on the back of a shocking 1-0 defeat against Aston Villa in the Premier League and will be keen to bounce back at Swansea.com Stadium.

City are looking to lift the League Cup trophy for the first time since 2021 and are naturally one of the favourites to go all the way.

They’ve been handed a relatively straightforward fixture compared to their Premier League rivals, but the Cityzens still have to avoid a catastrophic upset to keep their title hopes alive.

How City could line up

City manager Pep Guardiola is expected to make up to nine changes to the starting line-up for tonight’s cup tie against Swansea.

While the Cityzens are dealing with a few injury worries, Guardiola was always going to refresh his squad for this Carabao Cup contest and give several fringe players a chance to impress.

James Trafford has lost his place in the starting line-up since City signed Gianluigi Donnarumma.

However, he should be one of several fringe players coming into the team, with the young Englishman eager to make a statement and remind Guardiola of his potential.

Guardiola should also field a heavily rotated backline. Nathan Ake and John Stones should provide experience at the heart of the defence, flanked by Nico O’Rilley and Rico Lewis.

City won’t be able to call on Ballon d’Or winner Rodri just yet.

In his absence, Nico Gonzalez should be tasked with anchoring the midfield, while Jeremy Doku, Mateo Kovacic, Rayan Cherki, and Oscar Bobb line up ahead of him.

The attacking quartet should provide support for Omar Marmoush. The 26-year-old should get a chance to end his eight-match goal drought while Erling Braut Haaland is handed a breather.