Man City Starting XI vs Salford: Confirmed Team News and Predicted Lineup
· Yahoo Sports
Manchester City Injury Blow Ahead of Salford FA Cup Tie
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Manchester City’s FA Cup preparations have been dealt a notable setback with Erling Haaland expected to miss the fourth round meeting with Salford. The Norwegian striker, so often the focal point of City’s attacking authority, emerged as a doubt after being withdrawn at half time during the 3-0 victory over Fulham in midweek, a match in which he had already found the net.
Photo: IMAGO
Pep Guardiola moved swiftly to clarify the situation, offering reassurance while acknowledging caution remains.
“Erling’s not 100 per cent but we’ll see today how he feels,” the Man City boss said.
“It’s not a big issue, the doctor said to me. But had some disturbance before and during the game and that’s why second half he didn’t play. We will see his evolution.“
Rotation Plans for Cup Clash
With the Premier League title race intensifying and a scheduled week without fixtures to follow, Manchester City are expected to rotate heavily against Salford. Protecting key assets has become part of Guardiola’s domestic cup strategy, particularly against lower league opposition.
First choice goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma will be rested, handing James Trafford a valuable opportunity between the posts. In defence, Ruben Dias continues his return from injury and could be handed important minutes, while Abdukodir Khusanov, withdrawn against Liverpool with a head injury, made his comeback from the bench in midweek.
Nathan Ake’s absence against Fulham raised questions, yet he could return here. Highly rated youngster Max Alleyne is also pushing for involvement as City balance experience with development.
Attacking Responsibility on Marmoush
Haaland’s expected absence places the attacking burden on Omar Marmoush. The Egypt forward arrives in confident mood after scoring twice in a recent cup victory over Newcastle, his movement and finishing offering Guardiola a different but dangerous profile through the centre.
Ryan McAidoo, who scored in the remarkable 10-1 win over Exeter in the previous round, may also receive further first team exposure as Manchester City seek to blend youth with established quality.
Predicted Line Up and Match Details
Predicted Manchester City XI, 4-1-4-1: Trafford, Lewis, Dias, Alleyne, Ait-Nouri, Nico, Foden, Reijnders, O’Reilly, Cherki, Marmoush
Injured: Gvardiol, Kovacic, Doku, Savinho
Manchester City face Salford at 3pm GMT on Saturday, February 14, 2026, with progression the clear expectation, even without their leading scorer.