- Pep Guardiola on Manchester City’s team selection.
- Calls Southampton a “question mark” as an opponent.
- Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol unavailable.
Pep Guardiola discussed his thoughts on the Manchester City team he could pick ahead of his side’s upcoming FA Cup semi-final against Southampton.
Guardiola could rest players against Southampton after he forced into making just one change for City’s 1-0 win against Burnley; with Rayan Ait-Nouri coming into the side for the injured Rodri.
With Manchester City set to face Everton next month, the Catalan has the chance to give several players a chance who have not started in recent weeks.
Phil Foden has been a squad player since early March, and other names that spring to mind are Nico Gonzalez and Omar Marmoush.
Pep Guardiola on Man City’s team selection ahead of Southampton clash
Bernardo Silva’s all-conquering showings recently has meant another Sky Blues player like Tijjani Reijnders has not started a Premier League game since January.
Pep Guardiola revealed that he is still pondering how to approach his team selection ahead of Saturday’s clash at the Wembley Stadium.
Guardiola said in his pre-match press conference: “The opponent is a question mark. Arsenal game was so demanding, it is normal. Today is the second day to recover. To the hotel. Tomorrow will be fantastic day. Many thoughts still in my mind.
“It is easy because we have a lot except Ruben [Dias] and Josko [Gvardiol]. We are ready to play 95 or extra time. Tonight on the train, we will have lots to discuss.”
Man City fans would love to see John Stones start in FA Cup semi-final
While Pep Guardiola would be hoping to win his second domestic treble at Manchester City, the decorated coach also has to ensure his players are fit and firing for their subsequent league games.
One man who the supporters will be hoping starts the game is John Stones, who could leave Manchester City at the end of the season.
If City were to reach the final, it is unlikely the England international starts, with Abdukodir Khusanov, Marc Guehi and Dias all being higher than him in the pecking order at the club.
By starting Stones, Pep Guardiola would also be able to give Khusanov and Guehi a much-needed rest.
