Pep Guardiola is expected to ring the changes ahead of Manchester City’s EFL Cup clash with Southampton as they’ll have played three games in six days with a Manchester derby to come on the weekend.
Guardiola was able to rest a number of first-teamers in Sunday’s FA Cup win over Chelsea and may want to give fringe players another runout, so why not consider a youngster from the reserves?
Carlos Borges would be the first name that comes to mind as the 18-year-old left-winger boasts 18 goals with 11 assists from 19 games at youth level this season.
Guardiola has so far resisted giving Borges a senior appearance, but it surely can’t be too far away as he’s proving too good for the U21s.
The Portuguese U19 international has bagged 10 goals and five assists in 11 Premier League 2 games, having a hand in nine goals from his previous three outings, so he’s doing everything in his power to be noticed.
Guardiola could leave a player at home if he gave a prolific youngster a chance, so isn’t a domestic cup not the perfect time? Rico Lewis and Cole Palmer have made the step up from reserve to first-team, so there is a pathway for Borges if Guardiola feels he’s ready.
In other news, Cole Palmer will hope to start v Southampton, Pep Guardiola should grant his wish
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