Pep Guardiola has admitted that he will take Man City's FA Cup clash with Bristol City serious, which could hint that he could field some of his superstars at Ashton Gate.
Kevin de Bruyne's status is in question after the Belgium international missed the draw against Leipzig last week and was an unused substitute in the 4-1 win over AFC Bournemouth. The 31-year-old was ill and was only deemed fit enough to be on the bench, and Guardiola admitted the high turnover in matches after just a three-day turnover between matches.
De Bruyne is still suffering from some illness but is ‘much better’ and he will train with his teammates this afternoon before a decision is made. Kalvin Phillips is still ‘adapting’ and could be preferred over Rodri wit h Guardiola stressing the importance that some players ned a little more time.
It's been a busy February for Man City and this will be the last of seven matches they've had scheduled in the shortest month of the year. Norweigan superstar Erling Haaland has played in all of them, only being brought off against Aston Villa and Bournemouth. He scored his 27th league goal of the season against the Cherries, but could he be afforded a break?
Guardiola was not specifically asked if Haaland would be playing, but admitted that their match against Bristol City was a ‘final’. He added that their unbeaten run of 12 matches, highlighed that they were a ‘good team’ and that they would fly to the West Country tomorrow and watch clips on their opponents, reiterating what he had been told by his scouts.
Here’s Manchester City’s predicted starting XI by ManchesterWorld writer Michael Plant to face Nigel Pearson’s side at a sold-out Ashton Gate:
5. Sergio Gomez
Gomez can play either at left-back or as an attacking midfielder, and has been tipped to play in defence. Gomez joined from Anderlecht last summer and has made 13 appearances so far in his City career. | Getty Images Photo: Naomi Baker/Getty Images
6. Kalvin Phillips
Phillips is known to City for fans for when he was at Leeds United in the Championship. It’s tough to meet the standards set at Man City, but the England international has a chance to impress. | Getty Images Photo: Michael Regan/Getty Images
7. Bernardo Silva
Portuguese winger Bernardo Silva is tipped to start and is considered one of the best players in Europe. | Getty Images Photo: Martin Rose/Getty Images
8. Kevin de Bruyne
De Bruyne was absent against Leipzig and an unused substitute against Bournemouth. He could be unleashed against Bristol City to build up his match fitness. | AFP via Getty Images Photo: Adrian Dennis via AFP/Getty Images