City players who need a run out in tonight’s fixture?
By James Fudge
Manchester City players entered the third round of the Carabao Cup with a relatively easy game against Oxford United.
The starting XI, whether it be made up of youngsters or first team players, are both highly likely to beat the League One side comfortably.
They lie second from bottom after only winning one league game against Burton Albion, and two in Carabao Cup against Coventry City and Newport County.
With Pep Guardiola keeping us on our toes regarding his starting team this season, it is highly likely that the stars of Sergio Aguero, Bernardo Silva, Kyle Walker, Fernandinho and Ederson will be rested.
One player who should be given the responsibility of a starting role within the central midfield is Phil Foden. The English youngster has been waiting patiently for his chance in the first-team and has been handed a number of roles from the bench when the game has been won.
The pressure of creating and winning the game from the off, albeit against a weak team, will do the 19-year-old no harm.
Vincent Kompany has yet to play since the Wolves fixture and will likely be drafted in to keep himself match fit. An opportunity to experience with a young centre back, likely to be either Cameron Humphries or Phillipe Sandler, with the experienced Belgian lending a helping hand.
Oleksander Zinchenko is expected to play at left-back to allow Fabian Delph to be rested, while Danilo may be drafted to get himself match fit ready for back up for Kyle Walker.
John Stones may fill the void of Fernandinho as he gets to grips with a new role within the team as a defensive midfielder. Plenty of practice as he gets to break up any Oxford’s attacking play.
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Another player who needs a confidence boost from performances and a chance to get on the scoresheet will be Gabriel Jesus. Leading on the last line, the Brazilian will be using his international experience to test defence outfit with his running in behind and link-up play.
The early stages of the cup can provide a good opportunity for the squad players to impress and force their way into Guardiola’s best eleven. Let’s just hope we advance to the next stage of the cup and successfully defend our cup.