Kyle Walker and Joao Cancelo were unused substitutes in Manchester City’s 3-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers and had to watch Rico Lewis start at right-back for the second consecutive Premier League game, so they’ll hope Pep Guardiola rings the changes for Friday’s FA Cup fourth round clash with Arsenal.
Walker has made 13 appearances in all competitions this season, but he’s struggled for consistent playing time since picking up a groin injury in November. The 32-year-old has only featured in three of City’s last six league games (50%), amassing only 142 minutes from a possible 540 (26%).
In City’s third-round win over Chelsea on January 8, Walker started at right-back and played a full 90 minutes. He also had 45 minutes in the EFL Cup defeat to Southampton on January 11, so Guardiola has used him for cup games of late.
As for Cancelo, he’s made 26 appearances across the board this season, scoring two goals with five assists. He’s only started two of City’s last six league games, however, amassing 155 of playing time from a possible 540. The 28-year-old has been out of form and was criticised by Guardiola for a bad attitude in training, so he’s not in his good books.
Cancelo did come off the bench in the last half four of City’s FA Cup win and played a full 90 minutes in the EFL Cup defeat, so he’s also had more minutes in the domestic cup than the top-flight recently. Evidence shows Guardiola may well use the duo in the FA Cup before dropping them against Tottenham next month, but time will tell.
In other news, is it too risky for Pep Guardiola to start Kalvin Phillips v Arsenal?
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