How should Manchester City line up in the Carabao Cup Final?

With the chance to win the first trophy of the season and to make up for the disappointing FA Cup semi-final loss to Chelsea last weekend, there are many different formations Pep Guardiola could put out against Tottenham Hotspur.

Sergio Aguero is rumored to be “100% physically fit”, however, it is unlikely Kevin De Bruyne will be ready due to an ankle injury sustained in the 1-0 loss to Chelsea.

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Our 2-1 win over Aston Villa on Wednesday night saw John Stones get sent off with a straight red card, leaving him banned for 3 matches, including the final. All other players are fit and could start.

On the keeper front, it will be Zack Steffen in net as he has been chosen to play in all previous cup matches, and Ruben Dias is of course un droppable. Guardiola likes to mix up left and right backs, however, going off of form, Joao Cancelo, and Oleksandr Zinchenko would arguably be our strongest starters. But, Guardiola is quite likely to start Benjamin Mendy to give him game time after Zinchenko played against Villa.

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Phil Foden is in stunning form having scored in his last 3 starts, however, he could be saved for PSG midweek and if necessary brought on late against Spurs. On the other hand, Raheem Sterling has not been in his best form and this may be the chance he gets to get back into the good books, whilst also giving Riyad Mahrez a rest. It cannot be predicted whether Guardiola will start Aguero, but most City fans would love to see him feature even as a substitute in what will be his last domestic final in a City shirt.

Prediction -

Keeper: Steffen

Defence: Mendy, Laporte, Dias, Cancelo

Midfield: Gundogan (C), Rodri, Bernado

Upfront: Sterling, Jesus, Mahrez

Bench: Ederson/Trafford, Zinchenko, Walker, Ake, Garcia (De Bruyne injury dependent), Fernandinho, Foden, Torres, Aguero