Manchester City will continue the defence of their Carabao Cup crown when they take on Southampton this evening. Both teams come into the game with entirely contrasting forms, with City winning 3-0 at the weekend and the Saints losing in a record-breaking 9-0 humbling at home to Leicester City.
As a result, Pep Guardiola may use this as a chance to try and field some of his younger men and give the likes of Phil Foden and Eric Garcia a chance.
The two clubs will clash at the Etihad tonight and will repeat the fixture this Saturday in the Premier League. The champions will be hoping to get a few goals under their belt against Ralph Hasenhuttl’s men before then.
Sergio Aguero has not started City’s last two league games, so the Argentine could come in for Gabriel Jesus against the Saints. Elsewhere, Riyad Mahrez and Bernardo Silva have only started five and six Premier League games respectively, so they should come into the starting XI.
Phil Foden may perhaps be the first name on the team sheet, considering these are the type of games in which the teenager is often allowed to flourish. Alongside him, Ilkay Gundogan is expected to start with Fernandinho potentially rested, whilst Rodri is injured.
At the back, youngsters Angelino and Eric Garcia both played against Preston North End in the last round and will most likely come back into the side for this one.
Nicolas Otamendi has found it tough to nail down a starting spot lately, losing out to John Stones and Fernandinho in the past few games. Against Southampton, the Argentine may have a chance to prove his worth to Pep Guardiola.
Another man with a point to prove is Kyle Walker. The Englishman should also be given his chance to retain his spot in the side over Joao Cancelo.
Completing the lineup will most likely be Claudio Bravo to allow Ederson the night off.
