Manchester City look set to make it to two cup finals out of three this weekend as they travel down to London to face Chelsea at Wembley in the FA Cup semi-final.
Pep Guardiola’s side are already in the Carabao Cup final against Tottenham at the end of the month and are at the top of the league and need 11 points from the last seven matches to win the title.
With so many plates to juggle, Guardiola must rotate its side while keeping them competitive. Here’s a look at the team that the Catalan boss should join in order to best compete to secure another cup final.
Europe’s best defensive pairing this season | Gareth Copley / Getty Images
Ederson (GK) – While American stopper Zack Steffen has started all FA Cup matches this season, Guardiola should return to his strongest team and that means Ederson is playing.
Kyle Walker (RB) – The English champions have a tremendous speed that can help dampen Chelsea’s counterattacks.
John Stones (CB) – Half of the best defensive unit in Europe this season, Stones ability on the ball and one on one defender should see him start ahead of Aymeric Laporte.
Ruben Dias (CB) – Probably City’s player of the season, Dias is a guaranteed start to a game like this as the leader of the back line.
Joao Cancelo (LB) – City fought without him in Leeds last week and his ability in the future will be huge in this one.
The city’s two midfield stations start next to each other Visionhaus / Getty Images
Rodri (DM) – He has climbed up to replace Fernandinho in the holding midfield role expertly this season and must start a game of this importance.
Ilkay Gundogan (CM) – City’s top scorer this season, Gundogan has been extremely influential and has become unstoppable in games like this.
Kevin De Bruyne (CM) – The best player at the club at a distance, De Bruyne starts when he is in shape.
Phil Foden was the star again in the middle of the week Pool / Getty Images
Riyad Mahrez (RW) – Mahrez got the important equalizer in the middle of the week against Dortmund and has a good record against Chelsea in his career so should start here.
Gabriel Jesus (ST) – Pep has started without a traditional striker in recent matches, but Jesus’ mobility should help against Chelsea’s back three.
Phil Foden (LW) – Currently man, Foden is a must start right now. Goals, assists, connecting games and form, it’s no idea.
