Man City XI vs. Liverpool—FA Cup Quarterfinal: Injury News, Predicted Lineup

The Carabao Cup winners have their eyes set on another trip to Wembley.

Marc Guéhi nearly signed for Liverpool last summer. | Nigel French/Sportsphoto/Allstar/Getty Images

Manchester City continue their pursuit of more domestic silverware on Saturday when they host Liverpool in the quarterfinals of the FA Cup.

City clinched their first trophy of the season before the March international break, Nico O’Reilly’s double securing a 2–0 Carabao Cup final win over Premier League title rivals Arsenal. They could still manage a domestic treble, no matter how unlikely it appears at present.

The Cityzens must navigate an awkward quarterfinal tie to keep the dream alive, taking confidence from back-to-back Premier League victories over Liverpool this season.

---

Defensive Concerns for Pep Guardiola

City are missing some key defenders. | Paul Ellis/AFP/Getty Images

All three of Pep Guardiola’s injury concerns come in the heart of his defense. Joško Gvardiol is a guaranteed absentee at center back as he recovers from a long-term leg injury, while Rúben Dias and John Stones are major doubts—the former absent from the cup final and the latter injured on England duty.

Fortunately, Guardiola has Marc Guéhi available again after he was cup-tied for the Arsenal win at Wembley. The Englishman is likely to partner Abdukodir Khusanov on Saturday.

Elsewhere, City are unlikely to make any changes from the cup final. James Trafford will continue between the posts, O’Reilly will start at left back and a star-studded forward line containing Antoine Semenyo, Rayan Cherki, Jérémy Doku and Erling Haaland will cause Liverpool major issues.

• ⚠️ Key absentees, doubts: Joško Gvardiol, Rúben Dias, John Stones.
• 🔢 Predicted formation: 4-2-3-1

---

Man City Predicted Lineup vs. Man City (4-2-3-1)

City have a wealth of attacking options available. | FotMob

GK: James Trafford—Trafford proved himself as City’s cup goalkeeper with a super triple save early in the Carabao Cup final, and confidence will be sky high after his England debut over the international period.

RB: Matheus Nunes—Questions remain over Nunes’s defensive acumen, but the converted right back offers Guardiola’s side some crucial thrust from deep on the right wing.

CB: Abdukodir Khusanov—With Gvardiol, Stones and Dias in the treatment room, Khusanov appears likely to start up against the relentless Hugo Ekitiké on Saturday.

CB: Marc Guéhi—Had things turned out slightly different last summer, Guéhi would be lining up in a red shirt at the Etihad this weekend. City are thrilled he’s donning light blue instead.

LB: Nico O’Reilly—City’s hometown hero in the Carabao Cup final, O’Reilly proved an undeniable attacking threat with his box-crashing ability once more. Whether at left back or in midfield, he’s always a danger for opposing defenses.

DM: Rodri—Rodri spent the international break flirting with Real Madrid in between Spain friendlies, but his place in City’s XI should be safe regardless.

DM: Bernardo Silva—Silva rolled back the years with an impressive display at Wembley and enjoyed a rest over the international break, omitted from the Portugal squad to help manage his workload.

RW: Antoine Semenyo—Semenyo’s campaign began with a lovely brace against Liverpool and the powerful winger is expected to cause yet more issues for ex-Bournemouth teammate Milos Kerkez.

AM: Rayan Cherki—Cherki caught the eye with his Carabao Cup final showboating, the Frenchman certainly not lacking confidence. Love or hate his tricks and flicks, nobody can deny his immense talent.

LW: Jérémy Doku—Doku has tormented Trent Alexander-Arnold in past seasons and once again demolished Liverpool in the Premier League meeting back in November, scoring in the 3–0 triumph as he bamboozled Conor Bradley.

ST: Erling Haaland—Haaland has netted home and away against the Reds this season and could well single-handedly down an underperforming Liverpool rearguard.

---