Man City Predicted Lineup vs Plymouth: Echeverri Waits, FA Cup Selection Calls for Guardiola
Manchester City head into their FA Cup fifth-round clash against Plymouth Argyle as overwhelming favourites, with Pep Guardiola balancing squad rotation and the pursuit of another deep cup run. The Etihad Stadium will play host to a City side brimming with quality, but key names are expected to be rested.
With no fresh injury concerns following the 1-0 victory over Tottenham, Guardiola has a near-full squad at his disposal. However, some notable absentees and potential squad rotation could see changes in the Man City predicted lineup for this FA Cup fixture.
Echeverri’s Debut Unlikely Despite Arrival
City fans have eagerly awaited the debut of Claudio Echeverri, the highly-rated Argentine midfielder who has now officially linked up with the squad. However, Guardiola has indicated that the 19-year-old will need time to adapt.
“[Echeverri] will start to train, maybe for the end of the season or the Club World Cup but as soon as possible he’ll arrive and adapt quickly for the future,” Guardiola explained before the Tottenham match.
With that in mind, Echeverri is unlikely to feature against Plymouth, as Guardiola opts for a more familiar lineup while integrating younger talent gradually.
Squad Rotation Expected for FA Cup Tie
As is often the case in domestic cup competitions, Guardiola is expected to rotate his side. John Stones, Manuel Akanji, Rodri, and Oscar Bobb remain unavailable, while Ruben Dias and Erling Haaland could be given a well-earned rest following recent injury concerns.
Stefan Ortega is expected to start in goal, continuing City’s policy of using him in domestic cup matches. In defence, Nico O’Reilly could be handed another opportunity at left-back, having started in both of City’s FA Cup ties this season. Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis are also in contention to start in central defence.
Attacking Depth Offers Guardiola Selection Headache
The depth in City’s midfield and attack gives Guardiola plenty of options. Kevin De Bruyne, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Ilkay Gundogan, James McAtee, and Bernardo Silva are all pushing for a start. With Haaland likely to be rested, Omar Marmoush could lead the line, supported by Jeremy Doku and McAtee.
Man City Predicted Lineup vs Plymouth
Ortega; Lewis, Khusanov, Reis, O’Reilly; Nico, Gundogan; Foden, McAtee, Doku; Marmoush
Injured: Ake, Rodri, Bobb, Stones
Match Details:
- Kick-off: 5.45pm GMT, Saturday, March 1, 2025
- Venue: Etihad Stadium, Manchester
- TV Coverage: ITV4
