Manchester City are set to make major changes to their lineup for the Carabao Cup third-round match against Watford on Tuesday, just 49 hours after John Stones’ dramatic equalizer against Arsenal. The quick turnaround has sparked frustration among Pep Guardiola and his squad, who have been vocal about the impossible scheduling, pointing fingers at UEFA, the EFL, Premier League, broadcasters Sky Sports and TNT Sports, and even Greater Manchester Police for the fixture chaos.
Guardiola’s plan? A complete overhaul of the starting XI, but with key absentees like Kevin De Bruyne and the uncertainty around Rodri’s fitness, it’s a tricky balancing act.
In response to the packed schedule, City have even canceled an academy match to allow Guardiola to draft in younger players, many of whom he observed during the pre-season tour when the senior squad was still on holiday.
The likely starters include those who were benched against Arsenal: Stefan Ortega, Rico Lewis, Matheus Nunes, and James McAtee. Jack Grealish and John Stones, who played limited minutes in that game, are expected to start as well. Phil Foden, after coming on in the 70th minute against Arsenal, could lead the attack as a false nine, with McAtee and Nunes providing support. Erling Haaland, meanwhile, is likely to enjoy a well-earned rest.
In defense, Lewis and Stones will likely feature, but Guardiola faces a decision over whether to risk overworking Ruben Dias, Manu Akanji, and Josko Gvardiol, all of whom have played a grueling number of minutes in recent matches. Akanji has yet to miss a single minute this season, while Gvardiol remains crucial at left-back until Nathan Ake returns from injury.
Youth players may also get their chance. Jahmai Simpson-Pusey, who captained City’s FA Youth Cup-winning side last season, could make his senior debut after featuring in pre-season. Another option is Lakyle Samuel, a versatile defender who could fill in at center-back or right-back, potentially pushing Lewis to the left.
Guardiola has other academy talents to call on as well. Jacob Wright and Nico O’Reilly, both of whom have already tasted first-team action, are strong candidates for minutes, especially O’Reilly, who has been fully integrated into the senior squad this season. Winger Farid Alfa-Ruprecht, who’s been on fire in the academy, scoring five goals this season including a strike against Manchester United, might be another wild card. Although he missed the pre-season tour, his form makes him an enticing option for Guardiola.
Up front, academy forwards Justin Oboavwoduo and Jaden Heskey, both involved in the pre-season tour, could see action if City secure a comfortable lead.
Predicted Man City lineup vs Watford: Ortega; Samuel, Stones, Simpson-Pusey, Lewis; Wright, O’Reilly, McAtee; Nunes, Foden, Grealish.
