This Saturday at Wembley Arena, Manchester City will face off against Southampton in the FA Cup semifinals. After a hard-fought 1-0 win over Burnley, the Mancunian side enters this match with a boost in confidence.
Pep Guardiola plans to employ a 4-2-3-1 formation and is likely to make a few adjustments to his starting lineup. Rodri and James Trafford may be included in the starting eleven, while Rayan Ait-Nouri and Gianluigi Donnarumma are expected to drop to the bench.
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Predicted Lineup: 4-2-3-1 for Manchester City Against Southampton
Defense
James Trafford will be given the opportunity to shine in goal for City, aiming for a clean sheet at Wembley. Marc Guehi will partner Abdukodir Khusanov in central defense, focused on maintaining a solid defensive shape.
Matheus Nunes will slot in as the right-back, while Nico O’Reilly will aim to make an impact at left-back. Both players will need to choose their moments wisely to support the attack.
Nathan Ake and Rayan Ait-Nouri will provide defensive depth from the bench.
BURNLEY, ENGLAND – APRIL 22: Rayan Cherki of Manchester City is challenged by Quilindschy Hartman of Burnley during their Premier League match at Turf Moor on April 22, 2026. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
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Midfield
Bernardo Silva and Rodri will serve as the holding midfielders for City’s side, aiming to dominate the midfield against their rivals.
In front of them, the skilled trio of Jeremy Doku, Rayan Cherki, and Antoine Semenyo will look to contribute to the attack. Their performance will be crucial for City to secure a convincing victory.
Nico Gonzalez and Savinho will be ready to make an impact from the bench should the situation call for it in the second half.
Attack
Erling Haaland will lead the attack for Manchester City, eager to maintain his outstanding form in domestic competitions.
Omar Marmoush will start on the bench but could come on to make an impact in the last quarter of the match if necessary.