Manchester City fans have decided that Manchester City should field a strong team against Premier League leaders Arsenal in their FA Cup fourth-round clash, albeit have chosen Stefan Ortega to keep his cup goalkeeper status.
The summer arrival has started every domestic cup match for the Blues this season, also featuring twice in the Champions League group stages. The shot-stopper has kept three clean sheets overall although is firmly seen as a second-choice to Ederson.
City are yet to play Arsenal this season after their Premier League encounter in October was postponed amid the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Many are touting the FA Cup clash as a mental battle between England’s current top two ahead of their league meetings.
READ MORE: Riyad Mahrez explains reason behind form
And so, City fans have largely chosen a strong starting XI. Protecting Ortega is Kyle Walker, Ruben Dias, Aymeric Laporte and Joao Cancelo in a back four, meaning Manuel Akanji and John Stones - who welcomed his baby boy into the world this week - have been omitted.
Bernardo Silva is chosen in midfield alongside Rodri with Kevin De Bruyne, who hasn’t quite hit his usual standard of late, coming in to complete the midfield three. Erling Haaland has already scored 31 goals this season albeit is yet to score his first FA Cup goal.
He was left on the bench for the 4-0 whipping of Chelsea in the last round but Blues fans wish to see him start against Arsenal on Friday. They have selected Jack Grealish on the left as Riyad Mahrez completes the team on the right wing.
The attacker is in great form having scored five goals in as many games in 2023. Speaking on his good run ahead of the clash with Arsenal, the Algerian said: “Since the break, I worked hard during the holidays while everyone was at the World Cup.
“I came back really good, fresh and it is good at the moment. I am contributing and helping the team, so I have to keep going."
Find the Footballs on the MEN website and you could win £1,000. To find out more and register to play for FREE, click here.
READ NEXT:
