Sheffield Wednesday v Manchester City : FA Cup Preview
By David Crook
Manchester City turn their attention from victory in the Carabao Cup to the FA Cup, where they face Sheffield Wednesday.
Manchester City face their second trip to Sheffield so far this season, but this time face Championship side Sheffield Wednesday rather than Premier League newcomers Sheffield United. The task will be just as daunting though as that January visit to Bramall Lane.
Coming into this game after a string of positive results should mean the City team are buoyed by confidence, but this will be another much changed City XI so the rhythm may be not apparent.
I would still expect Pep Guardiola to go strong in his line up for this game. Although the next match is Manchester United away, he will not shy away from picking the players he feels he needs for this match.
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So Claudio Bravo will start in goal and I would expect to see Oleks Zinchenko at left back and Joao Cancelo at right back. I believe John Stones will start this game, barring injury and will most likely be partnered by Nicolas Otamendi. This will be because Pep is likely to try and countermand what he may see as a physical threat from Sheffield Wednesday at corners and set pieces.
Rodrigo will start again and I would hope Phil Foden retains a spot in the team, this time in central midfield rather than on the wing. I would be surprised if Kevin de Bruyne is risked for this match and instead we may see Bernardo Silva or Ilkay Gundogan.
Up front will be Gabriel Jesus, fresh from his run of goals. Alongside him will be Raheem Sterling who will be looking to hit peak rhythm again. Riyad Mahrez will start on the right side.
Sheffield Wednesday are currently sat just below mid table in the Championship, having endured an indifferent run of form since the turn of the year.
Form can often count for nothing in these lower League Cup games, instead passion can get teams through. Wednesday have veteran striker Steven Fletcher fit and he is likely to lead the line. Let us hope he does not get much chance to shine.
City are unbeaten in their last 11 League and Cup games against Wednesday and should hope to keep that run going and progress into the FA Cup Quarter Finals, where sterner tests should await.