Manchester City are primed to rotate for tonight’s Carabao Cup tie at Swansea City. Defeat at Aston Villa ended their unbeaten League run, and Man City manager Pep Guardiola is set to respond with fresh legs and a different look.
Several senior names are due a breather, while others return from injury to stake a claim. Manchester City will expect a controlled reaction in south Wales against Championship opposition.
Erling Haaland and Gianluigi Donnarumma are in line to be rested. Rodri has trained but is not ready to feature. Abdukodir Khusanov travels after injury yet is unlikely to start. Opportunity knocks for those on the fringes.
Manchester City vs Swansea City predicted XI
James Trafford gets the gloves for this one. Rayan Ait-Nouri is set to come in at left back, offering balance and giving Nico O’Reilly a rest. Nathan Ake is likely to return in central defence and could partner Ruben Dias, with Josko Gvardiol considered short of rhythm.
Rico Lewis has pushed for midfield minutes, but right back appears the clearest route into this XI, with Mateo Kovacic earmarked for the holding role. Tijjani Reijnders, who has logged heavy minutes, may edge O’Reilly for a midfield berth to add control and progression.
In attack, Oscar Bobb struggled at Villa yet could be trusted again to show his range. Rayan Cherki and Omar Marmoush are both in line for their first starts since August after injuries. With Haaland rested, Divine Mukasa—who led the line at Huddersfield in the previous round—could spearhead the forward line.
Man City predicted XI vs Swansea City: Trafford, Lewis, Dias, Ake, Ait-Nouri, Kovacic, Reijnders, Cherki, Marmoush, Bobb, Mukasa.
How Guardiola’s rotation reshapes the XI
Guardiola’s changes point to a tighter, more compact approach without a classic focal point. Kovacic at the base should steady the build-up and quicken the first pass through midfield. Reijnders can carry and combine, while Lewis at right back offers underlaps to overload central areas.
Ait-Nouri’s inclusion gives width on the left and a natural outlet for switches. Ake’s return next to Dias adds security in the channels and leadership on set pieces. The structure looks designed to control tempo and manage transitions after a demanding run of matches.
Rodri injury latest
Rodri has rejoined training but is not yet deemed ready to play. Man City will not rush him. His absence shifts responsibility onto Kovacic in the pivot and asks the collective to share ball-winning duties. The message is clear: keep control, protect the back line, and move the ball quickly.
For the returning attackers, this is a platform to re-establish rhythm. Cherki can create between the lines, Marmoush offers direct running, and Bobb’s selection signals trust despite a flat outing at Villa. Mukasa’s movement will be vital to drag defenders and open lanes for late runners.
All told, this tie is about response and opportunity. City want momentum back, minutes for key returnees, and a place in the next round. If the rotated XI executes with control and intensity, it should be enough to move on—while keeping core players fresh for the battles ahead.
