Fernandinho and Mahrez return for semi-final, with Jesus and Walker on bench | OneFootball

Fernandinho and Riyad Mahrez are restored to Manchester City’s starting lineup as Pep Guardiola makes two changes for the Carabao Cup semi-final against Manchester United.

The Brazilian returns in place of Rodrigo, who drops to the bench, whilst Mahrez replaces the suspended Bernardo Silva.

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Guardiola has largely kept faith with the team that started in the brilliant 3-1 win at Chelsea on Sunday, though City are boosted by the return of Gabriel Jesus and Kyle Walker, who are amongst the substitutes after their periods of self-isolation ended.

With six senior players absent due to illness or injury, 18-year-old goalkeeper James Trafford and 17-year-old defender Luke Mbete are also included on the bench.

Teams

CITY: Steffen, Cancelo, Stones, Dias, Zinchenko, Fernandinho (C), Gundogan, De Bruyne, Foden, Mahrez, Sterling.

SUBS: Trafford, Walker, Jesus, Aguero, Rodrigo, Mendy, Nmecha, Harwood-Bellis, Mbete.

UNITED: To follow

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Formation and squad notes

The key question before kick-off is, who will lead the line up front for City?

Kevin De Bruyne did a fine job at Stamford Bridge three days ago, but Mahrez's inclusion suggests the responsibility could well fall to Raheem Sterling, with the Belgian midfielder reverting to his usual position as City's most advanced midfielder.

Of course, Phil Foden could also adopt the midfield role, allowing De Bruyne to remain in attack, so as always, we'll have to wait until we get under way to see how Guardiola has lined his team up.

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Facts and stats