Predicted Starting Line-Up: Manchester City vs Salford City (FA Cup Fourth Round) | OneFootball

Manchester City enter the fourth round of the FA Cup in strong form and with renewed conviction, with a home tie against Salford City providing an opportunity to manage minutes without compromising standards.

Premier League victories over Liverpool and Fulham have extended Manchester City’s unbeaten run to six matches, consisting of five wins and a draw – restoring rhythm after a period of inconsistency earlier in the new calendar year.

The 3-0 midweek win over Marco Silva’s West London side was efficient, though it also delivered a minor concern as Erling Haaland – having scored his 22nd Premier League goal of the season – was withdrawn at half-time with what Guardiola described as “niggles”.

While the manager downplayed the issue when speaking to reporters post-match, fatigue rather than injury appears the likely explanation for the Norwegian’s early exit from the action.

With the Premier League entering a decisive phase in the season, caution surrounding the 25-year-old is expected, and with the Norwegian’s participation in doubt, there is little incentive to risk him in this fixture.

Here is how we predict the hosts will line up against Salford City this weekend!

Predicted XI

Rotation begins in goal and Gianluigi Donnarumma is expected to be rested, handing James Trafford a start between the posts – as has been the case throughout domestic cups so far this season.

Trafford’s distribution and composure makes him a trusted option in such cup ties, and this weekend’s match against League Two opposition presents a well-deserved opportunity for him to perform and show his talent.

In defence, Rico Lewis is likely to come in at right-back. Matheus Nunes has had considerable responsibility in league matches, and this tie offers an opportunity to manage his workload while reintegrating Lewis into the rhythm of first-team action.

Ruben Dias is gradually returning to full fitness and may receive another start as part of his reintegration process. The Portuguese defender’s leadership will anchor a rotated back line, likely alongside Nathan Ake.

Abdukodir Khusanov – having recovered from a head knock sustained against Liverpool and returning off the bench midweek – remains an option, though the expectation is that he will remain unused unless required.

At left-back, Rayan Aït-Nouri is anticipated to start, and the Algerian’s ability to provide natural width and progression on the flank adds attacking impetus against lower-block opposition.

In midfield, Nico is expected to deputise for Rodri at the base of midfield. The latter’s influence across competitions has been immense, and managing his workload is a priority. Gonzalez offers positional discipline and ball circulation without exposing the team structurally.

Ahead of him, Tijjani Reijnders should return to the starting line-up. His consistency recently has been notable, and he provides energy between the lines while maintaining tactical discipline.

Alongside him, Nico O’Reilly is likely to feature. His composure in possession and growing confidence within Pep Guardiola’s positional framework make him a suitable inclusion in the line-ups.

Antoine Semenyo, heavily involved in recent league fixtures, may be afforded some rest. In his place, Rayan Cherki is expected to return. Games where City dominate the ball and face low-block defences are well-suited for Cherki’s technical ability and comfort in tight spaces.

The inclusion of youth prospect Ryan McAidoo is a genuine possibility. Having scored in the 10-1 victory over Exeter, the teenager demonstrated both composure and instinct in advanced positions. This fixture offers another controlled opportunity for exposure at the senior level.

Omar Marmoush is expected to start in Erling Haaland’s likely absence, and his mobility and willingness to press align with Pep Guardiola’s approach in cup competitions. While stylistically different from Haaland, his capacity to drift wide and link play may help stretch Salford’s defensive shape.

Manchester City are expected to dominate possession, and most of the play will likely happen in Salford’s defensive third. Guardiola’s emphasis will be on patience rather than urgency, with his side seeking to control transitions and prevent counter-attacking opportunities.

Salford have scored in 12 of their last 15 matches across competitions, despite two recent 1-0 defeats, suggesting they carry a degree of threat that City must manage with defensive discipline.

Last season’s 8-0 victory in this competition provides context but not certainty, and Pep Guardiola’s message is likely to focus on structure, possession, and energy regardless of rotation.

Starting XI: Trafford; Lewis, Dias, Ake, Aït-Nouri; Nico, Reijnders, O’Reilly, Cherki, McAidoo; Marmoush.

Substitutes: Donnarumma, Nunes, Khusanov, Stones, Rodri, Nypan, Bernardo, Foden, Semenyo.