- Pep Guardiola admits he faces a selection dilemma
- Manchester City boss hints at possible changes
- Squad freshness could play key role
Pep Guardiola has admitted that selecting Manchester City’s lineup against Southampton is a delicate balancing act ahead of the club’s upcoming FA Cup semi-final.
After an unconvincing performance against Burnley at Turf Moor, Guardiola now prepares for an FA Cup semi-final on Saturday.
With only Erling Haaland on the score sheet, the Sky Blues didn’t do enough to kill the game. Instead, the visitors ended up wasting multiple chances that could’ve given them an edge over Arsenal.
After the lack of final third output, Guardiola now also faces a selection dilemma for the Southampton clash.
Pep Guardiola doubtful about Southampton selection
The Catalan manager will be hoping not to miss Rodri on Saturday. The Ballon d’Or winner suffered a groin injury against Arsenal and was out against Burnley.
A reassessment is scheduled before the weekend, but a start for the Spaniard is unlikely as the Sky Blues face Everton in the Premier League on Monday.
Nevertheless, Guardiola’s small changes today reflected his doubts considering a demanding schedule.
The manager said the same to Sky Sports after the game: “I had a lot of doubts about the line-up today [vs Burnley] because of the fatigue from Sunday [vs Arsenal],” the gaffer told Sky Sports.
He added regarding the Southampton dilemma: “I have to think perfectly about [the Man City line-up vs Southampton], knowing that if we win it will be a good decision and if we lose it will be a bad decision, to have a little bit fresh legs in the FA Cup semi-finals.”
Nico Gonzalez’s availability might depend on Rodri
Nico O’Reilly’s performance in the midfield was questionable. It was surprising to see Guardiola not start Nico Gonzalez in the Englishman’s stead.
However, the decision seems plausible as the manager is probably saving Gonzalez for Southampton and possibly Everton.
The Spaniard isn’t an injury-prone player, but he sometimes picks up minor problems along the way. If Rodri isn’t fit by Saturday, Guardiola might save Gonzalez for Monday again.
Will Phil Foden or Omar Marmoush start against Southampton?
Despite scoring 15 goals and assisting four times across the Premier League season, Antoine Semenyo has turned quiet over the last few games.
With a cup game ahead, Guardiola might give the Ghana international a break to recharge for Everton. Phil Foden fell out of the pecking order earlier this season, but the Englishman might see game time this Saturday.
Omar Marmoush is another candidate for the right flank against Southampton. While the Egyptian hasn’t been exceptional in the league, he does have five goals in this season’s cup game appearances.
