Guessing the Manchester City Team to face Burton Albion
By David Crook
Right now, Pep Guardiola is probably sat in a quiet spot thinking about the very thing we all are: what Manchester City side should start against Burton Albion in the Carabao Cup Semi Final Second Leg.
Guessing a Guardiola side is always something of a fools errand. The odds on a starting eleven most weeks are probably much greater than the odds given for a positive result. And this game the task is even harder than normal, like a super difficulty level task because not only are City already nine goals to the good from the first leg but City are likely to pick some youngsters, many of whom have never featured before.
The additional complicating factor is that the City Under 23 side play away in the Checkatrade Trophy at Sunderland the day before. So will Pep play his strongest youth players in the Carabao Cup and throw the Checkatrade? Will he play a strong first team in the Carabao Cup, given it is a Cup semi final and he will want to show respect?
More from Game preview
- Penalty miss from Haaland and later scored, late equalizer from Sheffield and final moment from Rodri extend City’s perfect start in the Premier League
- Manchester City vs Manchester United FA Cup Final: Predicted Lineup for City
- Manchester City vs Brighton & Hove Albion: Predicted Lineups
- Manchester City vs. Real Madrid: Predicted lineup for Manchester City
- Manchester City vs. Real Madrid: The 3 Keys to Victory
Or will Pep try a bit of both? A half and half style approach to keep us vibrant in as many competitions as possible? Well this is probably one where you will knock yourself out trying to guess the team. There will be a surprise or two I am sure and maybe some messages about application for some of our first team.
Before anyone says it – the tie is not yet over. Anything can happen and it would be a mistake to not show respect to the opposition. They are a tidy enough lower league side, who will on their own smaller ground and pitch pose problems. The physical nature of their approach and the desire to limit the scoreline, and maybe even secure a win in the second leg will be sufficient to drive Burton on.
I hope that City therefore adopt a professional approach and concentrate upon securing a second leg victory.
Next. Huddersfield 0 Manchester City 3 Match Report. dark
Predicted Starting XI
Goalkeeper
Aro Muric
Defenders
Kyle Walker, Eric Garcia, Eliaquim Mangala, Oleks Zinchenko
Midfield
Philippe Sandler, Fabian Delph, Phil Foden
Attack
Ian Poveda, Gabriel Jesus, Luke Bolton