Manchester City predicted lineup for FA Cup final 2023-24 against Manchester United

Published at :May 24, 2024 at 3:09 PM

Modified at :May 24, 2024 at 3:09 PM

(Courtesy : Manchester City)

The Cityzens will be looking to defend their FA Cup title against eternal rivals

Premier League champions, Manchester City have won it in style – completing a 4Peat. How often does one hear that? In the English top division, this is the first time that we are getting to witness it and all down to one man, Pep Guardiola.

Now, he is tasked with defending the FA Cup title against arch-rivals Manchester United in the final at Wembley Stadium. With almost full squad at his mercy, the Spaniard would look to lay out his strongest cup lineup as silverware is on the line. Here is how the Cityzens could lineup on Saturday.

Formation: 4-3-3

GK: Stefan Ortega

Another cup masterclass from Ortega? Who knows! Guardiola praised him after the Spurs game, saying Ortega might have clinched the title for them.

They won, and while it’s unclear how much of it is down to that save against Son Heung-min, it certainly played a part. As the season wraps up, the 31-year-old German custodian hopes to shine again in Ederson’s absence in this FA Cup final tie.

RB: Kyle Walker

‘A veteran’, ‘a leader’, Kyle Walker is all that and much more. Even at 33, he runs like a bullet shot from a pistol, helping the team shift the momentum. Once again he was key in the defensive four, from where he played in 32 league games assisting four goals. He will be key in City’s exploits against the rivals in the final.

CB: Ruben Dias

The Portuguese defender has come into the side and has made the position his own. Guardiola also loves it when the players have this sense of ownership and responsibility, and Dias has just that. His impeccable positioning, timely interceptions, and fearless challenges have been instrumental in City’s successes. This helped City win a continental treble in the last season and now, it has helped them complete a 4peat in the PL.

CB: Manuel Akanji

The one with more calmness at the back is Akanji. While Dias commands the defence, Akanji makes sure that it is done for the play to move on to the next phase. Initially, there was a lot of doubt regarding his starting place in the squad but all of that is out of the park now.

He was also a lot more involved in his debut season, winning the treble. As for this season, Akanji has played 39 games in the Sky Blues jersey and has chipped in with four goals as well.

LB: Josko Gvardiol

Not your regular left back, but a makeshift one. After a shaky start post-transfer from RB Leipzig, Gvardiol became crucial for Manchester City. Since then he has scored important goals, solidifying defensively, and quickly adapting to Guardiola’s style. Did not even let the gaffer think about signing a reinforcement in that position! Now, he is set to play in the final on that left-hand side of the defence.

CM: Rodri

Why Rodri was not even nominated for the Premier League Player of the Season award, when there could have been a strong argument for him winning it, is something the whole footballing world is talking about! Nonetheless, it has been yet another stellar season for the defensive midfielder.

The way he drives the ball out of his defensive third, and moves it up the field is a sight to behold. Not just that… His tactical fouls to break opponents’ momentum and offensive contributions have been crucial for the Cityzens.

"Every final is special" 💬 Our Spanish midfielder shares his thoughts ahead of another #FACup final 💪 pic.twitter.com/2C9GrdxUxT
— Manchester City (@ManCity) May 23, 2024

CM: Phil Foden

19 goals, eight assists, Premier League winner, and the Player of the Season – Foden is just 23, mind you. But this season has been more than the numbers from him. He has shown his versatility to the whole world. Played as a 6 and an 8 in the midfield, played on the right as well as on the left of the attack, and he was amazing wherever he played. Foden will be key in the final for City as they will be going for the title.

CM: Kevin De Bruyne

The leader of the side, and rightly so, De Bruyne‘s passing range and vision are out of this world. Despite missing a few months of footballing action at the start, he has returned with 10 assists and four goals in just 18 matches. His timely return might have just propelled the team to go and win the silverware.

Also Read: Manchester City vs Manchester United Betting tips, odds, injury news, H2H, telecast | FA Cup Final 2023-24

RW: Bernardo Silva

One of the most underrated players in Pep’s City side is the Portuguese maestro, Bernardo Silva. His performances and contributions have gone a lot under the radar but he has been performing consistently throughout. One of those silent assassins in the squad, who don’t mind ‘not’ getting the attention, they will just keep performing how they do. This season, too, he has contributed 17 goals (G11 A6) in 41 games.

ST: Erling Haaland

The machine, the Viking, the demolisher, one can keep on finding names for him but it would not be enough. In a season where he has gotten a lot of criticism, Haaland has finished on top of the scoring charts with 27 goals in the league. One of the most attack-minded signings in the Pep era at the Etihad and the Norwegian is not done yet! He has another game to feed himself with goals, will he do it? City fans would hope so.

LW: Jeremy Doku

He has shown signs of a world-class prospect in his first season but there is still a long way to go. Doku has got pace, dribbling skills, a sense of running behind the defences, and taking on defenders twice his size without any fear. He has scored three goals and has provided eight assists in just 29 games and would be looking to end the season on a high with another trophy.

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