Man City XI vs Southampton: Confirmed team news, predicted lineup and injury latest for FA Cup

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Evening Standard

·23 April 2026

Man City XI vs Southampton: Confirmed team news, predicted lineup and injury latest for FA Cup

City eyeing a domestic treble as they visit Wembley for the second time in four weeks

Pep Guardiola spoke of his “doubts” ahead of his side’s trip to Turf Moor, citing plenty of fatigue within his squad following a gargantuan effort to defeat Premier League title rivals Arsenal 2-1 last Sunday.

That victory moved City to within three points of the Gunners at the summit, and a 1-0 win at Burnley on Wednesday saw them move top of the table on goals scored.

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Guardiola made just one change to the side that beat Arsenal at Turf Moor, with the injured Rodri replaced by Rayan Ait-Nouri. Ait-Nouri was fielded at left-back, with Nico O’Reilly shifting into midfield alongside Bernardo Silva.

Now, you would expect Guardiola to shuffle his pack against Championship opposition, especially with a tricky trip to Everton to follow in the league next week.

Rodri is their biggest injury concern, and it is unlikely that Guardiola will risk him for this game.

Also on the treatment table are defenders Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol, but neither will be ready for this match.

As such, you would expect cup ‘keeper James Trafford to replace Gianluigi Donnarumma in net, and Matheus Nunes could be handed a rest at right-back, with Rico Lewis perhaps getting a rare nod.

The same could be said for Abdukodir Khusanov and Marc Guehi, who have struck up a solid partnership in central defence in recent weeks, and John Stones and Nathan Ake are waiting in the wings.

At left-back, O’Reilly’s competititor Ait-Nouri was called upon at Turf Moor, but was sacrificed in the second half for midfield solidity as Nico Gonzalez replaced him.

That should see the Algerian start on the left side of defence once more, and give O’Reilly a much-needed rest.

That therefore opens up an opportunity for Nico to start, and Tijjani Reijnders could also come into the side.

Mateo Kovacic has recovered from his ankle injury and could also be handed some minutes, while Phil Foden will be hoping for what would be a rare start ahead of the in-form trio of Rayan Cherki, Jeremy Doku and Antoine Semenyo.

Erling Haaland could be given a day off with Omar Marmoush given the nod up top.

Predicted Man City XI (4-2-3-1): Trafford; Lewis, Stones, Ake, Ait-Nouri; Nico, O’Reilly; Foden, Reijnders; Savinho, Marmoush

Doubt: Rodri

Date and time: 5.15pm BST on Saturday, April 25 2026