Today, Pep Guardiola’s squad continue our defence of the famous trophy with a fourth-round home clash against Fulham and there’s plenty of pre-match talk in this morning’s papers.
Of course, it wouldn’t be media watch without the latest slice of transfer gossip – despite the manager’s repeated assertions that we won’t be doing any business in the January window - and there’s also reaction to our women’s thrilling derby FA Cup win over United
News
manchestereveningnews.co.uk – Foden and Garcia to start?
The game could give Pep Guardiola to opportunity to rotate and keep players fresh and give his youngsters another opportunity.
READ: City’s mindset is ‘incredible’ says Guardiola
BUY: Tickets to see City v United in the Carabao Cup
City could make several changes at the back, including the formation going back to a 4-3-3 rather than a 3-4-2-1. It could see Joao Cancelo and Angelino coming in at full-back for Kyle Walker and Aleks Zinchenko, with Eric Garcia being given another chance to shine.
Aymeric Laporte made a successful return from injury at Bramall Lane and while a game against lower league opposition would be perfect for him to get more minutes under his belt, another start so soon may be pushing it.
Should he be available then John Stones could come in to get his fitness up, if not Nicolas Otamendi may keep his place.
The midfield could see recalls for captain David Silva, who didn’t make the trip to Sheffield, Ilkay Gundogan in the sitting role in place of Rodri and youngster Phil Foden, who must be chomping at the bit to get on the pitch.
In attack Raheem Sterling and Gabriel Jesus may keep their places in a bid to get amongst the goals and get their confidence up, with Bernardo Silva coming in on the right in place of Riyad Mahrez.
Predicted Man City XI vs Fulham: Bravo; Cancelo, Stones, Garcia, Angelino; Foden, Gundogan, Silva; Bernardo, Jesus, Sterling.
Predictions
bbc.com – Mark Lawrenson’s prediction
“Fulham scored a couple of wonder-goals to beat Aston Villa in round three, and are in good shape at the top end of the Championship too.
“But you know that Manchester City will put out a strong line-up as they continue their defence of the FA Cup, and it is hard to see Fulham getting close to them at Etihad Stadium.”
Prediction: City 3-0 Fulham
blog.betvictor.com – Michael Owen’s prediction
City had to battle hard to pick up all three points at Bramall Lane midweek and I would be surprised if the holders were made to scrap as hard back on home soil against Fulham.
City have won their last eight games in all competitions against the Cottagers and have won the last four by an aggregate of 12-0.
Fulham have won three of their last four games, including a 2-1 home win against Aston Villa in the last round.
READ: City v Fulham | FA Cup injury news
BUY: Tickets to see City v Real Madrid in the Champions League
They moved within three points of the automatic promotion places midweek, and a return to the Premier League must be their primary objective this term.
Prediction: City to win and both teams to score
Transfer gossip
express.co.uk – City keen on French youngster?
Neil Fissler: “Manchester City have been in touch with Rennes about a potential deal for teenage prospect Eduardo Camavinga.
“Camavinga, 17, joined Rennes at the age of 11 and went onto sign his first professional contract with the French club five years later.
“He is the youngest ever professional to play for them, making his debut in a 3-3 Ligue 1 tie with Angers in April 2019.
“The midfielder went onto make another six appearances for Rennes last season and has subsequently made 24 under Julien Stephan in the current campaign.”
Women’s focus
bbc.com – White inspires City to FA Cup derby success
“Ellen White’s double helped holders Manchester City into the Women’s FA Cup fifth round at the expense of local rivals Manchester United.
“White finished coolly after being gifted possession by Abbie McManus to put City in front and then turned in Lauren Hemp’s low cross to make it 2-0.
“Lauren James drilled in a reply for United, who nearly equalised when McManus’ shot was stopped on the line.
READ: Houghton signs new contract
WATCH: Steph Houghton | City 2022
“Jill Scott settled it in City’s favour, despite Hemp’s late own goal.
“The most important thing is that we are in the hat for the next round, we made hard work of it but we are really pleased to be in the hat.,” said White.
“We knew the second goal would be really important for us so I was delighted to get on the scoresheet again.
“It was a tough second half for us but we showed resilience and dug in deep.”
