Man City gem likened to Mesut Ozil set for first-team debut after what Pep Guardiola said
Pep Guardiola is likely to make a plethora of changes as Man City prepare to face Huddersfield Town in the Carabao Cup third round.
The Carabao Cup fourth-round draw is set to take place on Wednesday, 24 September, and City will be eager to bag a spot over a team against whom they have scored 14 goals in the last three meetings.
Surprisingly, the manager named an unchanged starting lineup as Man City drew 1-1 with Arsenal on Sunday, 21 September, but that is extremely unlikely for the upcoming competition.
Rodri, Erling Haaland, Gianluigi Donnarumma, and Bernardo Silva could all be handed rests for the trip to the Accu Stadium, and that could provide chances for first-team debuts.
What has Pep Guardiola said about changes ahead of Huddersfield Town?
It was suggested that Rodri could have been rested against Arsenal at the weekend, but after he played 90 minutes in midfield, there is no doubt over his involvement for the Carabao Cup.
Now, speaking in his press conference, Guardiola said, “Tomorrow we are not going to play the same starting XI as the last three games, that’s for sure.
“I said many times in the Carabao Cup, we respect this competition, but the problem is we arrive with injuries. So, it’s a chance for Academy players to play.”
Omar Marmoush remains unavailable, joined by Rayan Cherki and Rayan Ait-Nouri, but supporters will be looking forward to seeing more from one academy gem after his involvement during pre-season.
Divine Mukasa could benefit from Man City’s Carabao Cup tie
Supporters will be hopeful of Divine Mukasa being given another opportunity to shine after appearing during City’s pre-season win over Palermo at the beginning of August.
Mukasa is one of Man City’s next biggest things, having notched 19 goals and 16 assists in 30 Under-18 appearances, which has blown most fans away as he continues to develop in the academy.
Speaking to Sports Mole, Man City fan Steven McInerney said: “He reminded me a little of Mesut Ozil, actually, the way he just gently strolls around the pitch looking for the ball and making things happen.”
For a player who featured for Arsenal, Real Madrid, and the German national team, it leaves the 18-year-old with a lot of potential to grow into. He can only do that if Guardiola gives him the chance to shine.