A depleted Manchester City are heading to North London to take on Tottenham Hotspur in the Carabao Cup.

The defending English champions may be at the top of the Premier League, but the points do not tell the full story of the injury crisis affecting Pep Guardiola’s side. Not only is the latest Ballon d’Or winner, Rodri, out for the season, but Oscar Bobb isn’t expected back until the new year. Kevin De Bruyne and Kyle Walker remain sidelined due to a groin and thigh injury respectively.

Jack Grealish will also miss his third consecutive match for the Citizens as he deals with an undisclosed injury. Jérémy Doku is now likely to be out of action until the international match in November.

With so many injuries and three more away games in the next ten days, expect Guardiola to rely on his academy players for the Carabao Cup, a competition he admitted City “wouldn’t waste energy on”.

This is what City’s XI could look like against Tottenham.

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GK: Stefan Ortega—Expect Ederson’s backup to return to the starting line-up for the domestic cup tie.

RB: Rico Lewis-Without Walker available, the 19-year-old will once again get the nod at right-back. After making just 17 appearances in all competitions last season, Lewis has now made his 13th start in City’s 2024-2025 season.

CB: John Stones—After playing just one minute against Southampton this weekend, the England international will strengthen the backline against Spurs.

CB: Kaden Braithwaite—The academy player impressed alongside Stones against Watford in the third round of the competition. He could see his second first-team appearance of the season at the age of 16.

LB: Nathan Ake— Recovered from injury, Aké will replace Joško Gvardiol on the left flank. The Dutchman did not play off the bench against Southampton, making him one of Guardiola’s most rested players.

DM: Nico O’Reilly—The academy player could make his third first-team appearance this season. The 19-year-old was neat in possession and reliable in his own half against Watford in the third round of the Carabao Cup.

DM: İlkay Gündoğan—The ex-Barcelona man is another player Guardiola can rotate into his XI, especially after playing just four minutes against Southampton. Gündoğan brings plenty of experience to the midfield to complement his young supporting cast.

RW: Savinho—The Brazilian is one of City’s most creative playmakers, even if he starts on the right wing instead of his preferred left wing.

AM: James McAteeExpect the 22-year-old to continue to get minutes as City deal with the injury crisis. The midfielder scored his first senior goal for the Citizens against ŠK Slovan Bratislava earlier this month.

LW: Matheus NunesDespite his inconsistent minutes, Nunes already has two goals and four assists for City this season, including the winner against Watford to see City through to the next round of the Carabao Cup.

ST: Phil Foden— Fresh from 11th in the 2024 Ballon d’Or rankings, the England international could take the lead on Wednesday, allowing Erling Haaland to get some rest.

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