The Blues are chasing a place in the last eight when they travel to south Wales and will be heavy favourites against their Championship hosts.
Rayan Cherki and Omar Marmoush are scheduled to return to the club for the cup match following lengthy injury absences. Cherki’s solitary start for City so far came in early August defeat to Tottenham, while Marmoush’s came the following week against Brighton.
Both require match minutes and could make their way into the team against Bournemouth after Oscar Bobb and Savinho failed to impress at Villa. Marmoush is anticipated to lead the line in Haaland’s absence, but he has frequently been used on the left side throughout his time at City, whereas Cherki can play anywhere along the front line.
Mateo Kovacic, who had Achilles surgery during the summer, has yet to start for City this season. Given Guardiola’s confirmation that Rodri is not ready to return and Nico Gonzalez’s fitness was only good enough for the bench in the Midlands, the Croat will be aiming to demonstrate his abilities as a natural holding player.
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