Manchester City face Chelsea in Saturday’s FA Cup final at Wembley with manager Pep Guardiola likely to make seven changes to his squad.
City cruised to a 3-0 victory despite leaving several senior stars on the bench. Goals from Antoine Semenyo, Omar Marmoush and Savinho kept the pressure on league leaders Arsenal and moved City within two points at the top of the table.
Big names including Erling Haaland, Jeremy Doku and Rayan Cherki were all rested with Saturday’s FA Cup final against Chelsea at Wembley clearly in Guardiola’s thoughts.
The City boss also confirmed that goalkeeper James Trafford will start the final after impressing during the club’s Carabao Cup win over Arsenal earlier this year. Youngster Nico O’Reilly, who was rested completely against Palace, is also expected to return to the starting line-up.
Matheus Nunes was substituted after an hour on Wednesday, while captain Bernardo Silva was taken off late on as Guardiola carefully managed his squad before the trip to Wembley.
Guardiola admitted the packed fixture schedule had forced him into difficult decisions.
“When the schedule is so tight everybody is fit, everybody needs to help,” he said.
“The manager is here to take a risk. We have to take the decisions before and after it depends on the result.
“We will be judged nicely or completely the opposite. You have to take it. I trust them otherwise we wouldn’t be here.”
City also face AFC Bournemouth in the league just 72 hours after the cup final, adding further pressure to Guardiola’s selection plans.
At centre-back, Marc Guehi and Abdukodir Khusanov appear favourites to continue their partnership. Josko Gvardiol may be rested after a busy run of matches, while Ruben Dias is still working his way back to full fitness. John Stones and Nathan Ake remain alternative options.
Semenyo’s performance against Palace may also have earned him a Wembley start, while Phil Foden continues to push for a midfield role after several strong recent displays.
There are still questions in midfield. Mateo Kovacic returned from the bench against Palace, while Nico Gonzalez was rested completely despite scoring the winning goal in the semi-final against Southampton. Meanwhile, Rodri remains doubtful as he continues his recovery from injury.
