Pep Guardiola is expected to ring the changes for Manchester City’s FA Cup tie against Leyton Orient.
City are the visitors to Brisbane Road on Saturday, but will have one eye on next Tuesday’s massive Champions League knockout round play-off first-leg at home to Real Madrid.
Facing lower league opposition, the City lineup could be similar to that from the 8-0 trashing of Salford in round three.
Though Stefan Ortega may continue in between the posts with Ederson a doubt after missing last week’s 5-1 defeat to Arsenal. John Stones and Josko Gvardiol are due a rest with Abdukodir Khusanov and Rico Lewis likely replacements.
There’s a decision to make on January signing Vitor Reis and whether he makes his Man City debut, but deadline day arrival Nico Gonzalez is raring to go after completing his move from Porto.
“I really want to play with the best midfielders in the world,” he said. “I think when you play with these types of players, you become much better and enjoy it even more.
“I really want to have the ball to play as much as we can together and hopefully the fans enjoy it.”
Omar Marmoush is an option to lead the line if Erling Haaland is rested, whilst Guardiola has a wealth of attacking options to chose from with Jack Grealish and Kevin De Bruyne pushing for recalls.
In addition, Oscar Bobb could make his first competitive appearance of the season after recovering from a knee injury.
Predicted Man City XI: Ortega; Nunes, Khusanov, Akanji, Lewis; Nico, Gundogan; Savinho, De Bruyne, Grealish; Marmoush
Doubts: Ederson, Bobb
Injured: Dias, Rodri, Doku, Ake
Time and date: 12.15pm GMT on Saturday 8, February 2025
Venue: Brisbane Road
TV channel and live stream: BBC One and BBC iPlayer
