Wednesday’s EFL Cup clash with Southampton will be Manchester City’s third game in six days and they’ll have a Manchester derby just three days after, so Pep Guardiola is sure to rest some key players at St Mary’s.
One of them could be Kyle Walker, as the 32-year-old needs to have his minutes managed due to his advancing age and injury proneness. Rico Lewis has impressed of late and drawn praise from Pep, so there’s every chance he could replace Walker.
Lewis has made 11 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring one goal. He’s started two of City’s last three Premier League games and replaced Walker midway through their 1-0 win over Chelsea.
The 18-year-old has started both EFL Cup games too, amassing full 90 minutes in both, so it would be consistent of Guardiola to make the switch. Lewis hasn’t been fazed by the calibre of any opponent, but Walker is a safe pair of hands for the Manchester derby due to his considerable experience.
In other news, Pep Guardiola might stick with Sergio Gomez against Southampton
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