Predicted Manchester City line-up to face Oxford United in the Carabao Cup
Defending League Cup champions Manchester City begin their defence with an away tie to Oxford United on Tuesday night. Pep Guardiola’s men removed some of their negative scars of Champions League loss with an emphatic 5-0 win at Cardiff.
Now the focus turns to the domestic cup competition, which was won by the eventual Premier League winners last season. They will face an Oxford United team who are struggling in the third division of English football at the moment.
Team News
No new injury concerns for Guardiola to deal with after the Saturday game. However, with games coming thick and fast, we might see the Spaniard rotate his line-up for the game. A few fringe players are expected to get their minutes in this encounter.
As far as long-term injuries are concerned, Kevin de Bruyne, Claudio Bravo, Danilo, Eliaquim Mangala and Benjamin Mendy are all out for a considerable amount of time.
Probable Manchester City XI
Formation: 3-5-2
Manager: Pep Guardiola
Ederson (GK)
With Bravo out injured, there is a high possibility that Ederson continues in goal for City. Guardiola might not play Arijanet Muric yet.
Vincent Kompany (CB)
The club captain may start this game after not starting the previous few games.
John Stones (CB)
The Englishman was rested against Cardiff, probably getting ready for the trip to Oxford United.
Aymeric Laporte (CB)
The Frenchman has made a good start to the season. He may continue playing as the left-sided centre-back.
Riyad Mahrez (RWB/RW)
The Algerian is almost certain to start on the right wing, having come of the bench and scored on Saturday to restore some confidence.
David Silva (CM)
The Spaniard was benched against Cardiff and as a result, we may see him in action on Tuesday.
Phil Foden (CM)
The youngster has shown a lot of promise, so Pep could give him the Cup games to show his potential.
Ilkay Gundogan (CM)
The German was superb on Saturday and is slowly gaining his rhythm. We may see him in action on Tuesday again.
Oleksandr Zinchenko (LWB/LW)
With Mendy and Danilo out, Fabian Delph should get a rest. Ukrainian Zinchenko might get his chance to shine.
Gabriel Jesus (ST)
The Brazilian has to start scoring to challenge Sergio Aguero in the starting line-up. This could be the game for him to get back to form.
Leroy Sane (SS)
The German is slowly getting back to his best after a time off from the starting line-up. He can be a headache for the Oxford defenders.