Manchester City welcome Arsenal to the Etihad in Friday’s FA Cup fourth-round meeting and Pep Guardiola is sure to ring the changes from the side that beat Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday.
City’s last game was five days ago and their next match after Arsenal isn’t for nine days, but Guardiola used the domestic cups as a chance to rest regular first-teamers and give his outcasts an opportunity.
As a result, Stefan Ortega could start between the sticks over Ederson. The 30-year-old joined as a second-choice goalkeeper over the summer but has made six appearances in all competitions this season.
Ortega featured in City’s last two Champions League group games, in all three of their EFL Cup clashes and in their FA Cup third-round win over Chelsea. The uncapped German stopper has kept three clean sheets, conceding five goals while boasting four wins and one draw.
Guardiola isn’t underestimating Arsenal if he starts Ortega, he’s just being consistent with his selection for domestic cups. The 30-year-old has proven to be a very able goalkeeper, barring one poor performance v Southampton, so the City manager won’t have any doubts that he can impress when called upon.
In other news, Pep Guardiola says Phil Foden ‘is getting better’ ahead of Arsenal clash
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