Man City vs Southampton: Predicted Lineup and Team News for FA Cup ClashManchester City return to Wembley with one eye on progression in the FA Cup and another on squad management, as Southampton provide the latest test in a season that continues to demand rotation and precision.
Pep Guardiola has rarely been one for sentiment in selection, and this tie looks no different. After a controlled outing at Burnley, where only one enforced change disrupted continuity, attention now turns to balancing freshness with rhythm.
Rodri’s absence through injury saw Rayan Ait-Nouri drafted in, with Nico O’Reilly stepping into midfield alongside Bernardo Silva. It worked well enough, but against Southampton, Guardiola may be tempted to lean more heavily into his squad depth.
James Trafford, who has quietly become City’s go-to option in cup competitions, is expected to start in goal. The reshuffle could extend to the full-back positions, where Rico Lewis may come in for Matheus Nunes, offering energy and tactical flexibility.
Further forward, Phil Foden will be eyeing a rare start. Competition remains fierce, with Rayan Cherki, Jeremy Doku and Antoine Semenyo all delivering strong performances in recent weeks. Guardiola’s decision here could hinge on managing minutes rather than rewarding form.
City’s defensive unit has developed a degree of cohesion, particularly with Abdukodir Khusanov and Marc Guehi building a reliable partnership. John Stones and Nathan Ake remain viable alternatives, providing experience and composure should Guardiola opt to rotate.
At left-back, Ait-Nouri appears set to continue, despite being withdrawn earlier than planned at Turf Moor. His attacking instincts offer width, something City may look to exploit against a Southampton side likely to sit deep.
In midfield, Nico Gonzalez could be handed a start, adding control and distribution. Tijjani Reijnders is another option, while Mateo Kovacic’s return from injury gives Guardiola added flexibility in managing workloads.
Up front, the spotlight may shift away from Erling Haaland, with Omar Marmoush tipped to lead the line. It would not be a surprise, given Guardiola’s tendency to rotate his central striker in domestic cup fixtures.
The FA Cup has often provided a platform for fringe players to stake a claim, and this tie against Southampton feels no different. City’s depth allows them to maintain a high level, even with multiple changes.
Manchester City face Southampton at Wembley Stadium, London, with kick-off scheduled for 5.15pm BST on Saturday April 25, 2026. The match will be broadcast on BBC One and TNT Sports 1.
Predicted Man City XI: Trafford; Lewis, Stones, Ake, Ait-Nouri; Gonzalez, O’Reilly; Foden, Reijnders, Savinho; Marmoush
As ever with Guardiola, the specifics may shift, but the broader approach remains clear. Control the game, manage the squad, and find a way through. Southampton will hope to disrupt that rhythm, but City’s depth and structure make them firm favourites to progress in the FA Cup.