Manchester City goalkeeper Stefan Ortega is set to start between the sticks for Saturday's FA Cup final showdown against rivals Manchester United at Wembley Stadium.
Ortega has had to play second fiddle to first-choice shot-stopper Ederson ever since he arrived at the Etihad Stadium in 2022, but he is a regular in the cup competitions for Pep Guardiola and is seemingly a guaranteed starter now that Ederson is ruled out with a fractured eye socket.
Captain Kyle Walker had the honour of lifting Man City's record fourth successive Premier League title last weekend after the Citizens beat West Ham United 3-1 on Sunday, and he is expected to keep his spot at right-back, potentially joining Manuel Akanji, Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol in a four-man defence.
Star midfielder Rodri, who holds the record for the longest unbeaten run (74 games) in club football history, is expected to continue in the middle of the pitch and could be joined by Mateo Kovacic if Guardiola opts to begin with an extra midfield body.
The Catalan coach began the win over West Ham with Jeremy Doku on the left flank, and although he impressed against the Hatters and could keep his place against Man United, his starting spot may come under threat from Kovacic, and his inclusion would likely see Player of the Season Phil Foden - who has scored six goals in his last four starts against the Red Devils - operate out wide.
Kevin De Bruyne could therefore continue in the number 10 role, with Foden at times drifting into a central position to link up with the Belgian, while Bernardo Silva - who has scored all three of City's goals in their last two FA Cup ties en route to the final - is set to play on the right side of attack.
Few will be surprised to see leading marksman Erling Haaland lead the line for the Citizens; the Norwegian has scored 38 goals in 44 appearances across all competitions this season, including five strikes in just two FA Cup outings - all scored in a 6-2 win at Luton Tow in the fifth round. Haaland is just one goal behind Ellis Simms and Sammie Szmodics (both six) in the race for the FA Cup Golden Boot.
Manchester City possible starting lineup: Ortega; Walker, Akanji, Dias, Gvardiol; Rodri, Kovacic; Bernardo, De Bruyne, Foden; Haaland
> Click here to see how Manchester United could line up for this contest
Oliver Thomas
