Man City Starting XI vs Huddersfield: Predicted Lineup and Confirmed Team News | OneFootball

Manchester City Prepare for Carabao Cup Test

Pep Guardiola is set to ring the changes as Manchester City head to Huddersfield in the Carabao Cup. The third-round tie offers opportunities for young talent to step forward, with midfielder Divine Mukasa and defender Stephen Mfuni both in contention. Guardiola confirmed their involvement, stating, “They have chance [of playing]. They will come and after we’ll see if they play from the beginning or during.”

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Key Players Rested and Returning

Erling Haaland will sit out due to a minor back issue, although the striker was likely to be rested regardless. Guardiola expects him to be ready for Burnley in the Premier League at the weekend. Rodri is also being given a breather after a busy run of games. John Stones is close to his first start since the international break, with his return offering a timely boost in defence.

Trafford Given Starting Role

In goal, James Trafford is confirmed to start after re-joining City from Burnley in the summer for around £40 million. Gianluigi Donnarumma will be rested, with Guardiola praising the young Englishman’s progress. “Yeah,” he said. “[He’s been unbelievable [since Gianluigi Donnarumma arrived]. He is training better than ever, he is a fantastic keeper. And with me, all the keepers, the second keepers always play a lot of games. That will not be an exception. We are so safe, so confident, and he is so young, he will learn with Gigi and in the future we see what happens.”

Injury Concerns Ahead of Tie

Abdukodir Khusanov is set to miss three matches following his setback against Arsenal. Long-term absentees Rayan Ait-Nouri, Rayan Cherki, Mateo Kovacic, and Omar Marmoush remain unavailable. Guardiola will therefore lean on his mix of senior names and academy products for this Carabao Cup assignment.

Predicted XI (4-1-4-1): Trafford, Nunes, Stones, Ake, Mfuni, Nico, Lewis, Silva, Mukasa, Savinho, Bobb.

Kick-off: 7.45pm BST, Wednesday 24 September 2025Venue: Accu Stadium, HuddersfieldTV: Sky Sports