Pep Guardiola is basically the only person on earth who finds "fun" in having six of his best players stuck on the treatment table right before a Manchester Derby. It’s stressful. Honestly, if you’ve been following the blue half of Manchester lately, you know the vibe is a mix of "we’ve got this" and "wait, who is playing center-back again?"
The man city starting lineup today is a puzzle that even the most seasoned FPL managers are struggling to solve. With a massive clash against Manchester United at Old Trafford tomorrow, January 17, today’s training ground decisions are everything. Pep isn’t just picking a team; he’s trying to keep a title charge alive while his squad depth looks a bit thin.
The Injury Crisis is Real
Let’s get the bad news out of the way first. You aren't going to see Ruben Dias or John Stones. It sucks, I know. Both are ruled out, which leaves a massive, leadership-shaped hole in the heart of the defense. Josko Gvardiol is also sidelined, meaning the left side of the pitch is looking a little experimental.
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Then there’s the midfield. Mateo Kovacic is still dealing with that nagging ankle/heel issue that’s limited him to basically a cameo role this season. Savinho? Out for another month at least with that unspecified injury from New Year’s Day. And Oscar Bobb is targeting a return against Galatasaray later this month, but for today, he’s strictly a spectator.
Oh, and don't forget Omar Marmoush. He’s busy tearing it up at AFCON with Egypt.
The Semenyo Factor
It’s not all doom and gloom though. Antoine Semenyo is already looking like the bargain of the century—even at £62.5m. He scored on his debut against Exeter, then turned around and bullied Newcastle in the Carabao Cup. He’s practically a lock for the man city starting lineup today if Pep wants that directness on the wing.
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Expect him to start on the right, or maybe even as a secondary striker if Pep decides to get weird with the formation. He’s got that "Bournemouth grit" but he’s already playing with the "City swagger."
The Likely XI for the Derby
Since it's 2026 and James Trafford is now Pep's go-to "cup and rotation" guy who’s actually challenging Donnarumma for the #1 spot, the keeper situation is spicy. But for a Derby? You’d expect Gianluigi Donnarumma to step back in, although Trafford hasn't put a foot wrong.
- GK: Gianluigi Donnarumma (Experience wins out here)
- Defense: Rico Lewis, Manuel Akanji, Nathan Ake, Rayan Ait-Nouri
- Midfield: Rodri, Matheus Nunes, Phil Foden
- Attack: Antoine Semenyo, Erling Haaland, Jeremy Doku
Ait-Nouri is a huge boost. He just got back from AFCON after Algeria’s exit and Pep practically threw a party when he saw him walk through the doors. He offers that width and recovery speed that Nathan Ake—bless him—just doesn't have in a foot race against someone like Amad Diallo.
Why Today's Selection Matters
Man City is currently six points behind Arsenal. They’ve drawn three straight Premier League games. That’s unheard of. If they don't get the man city starting lineup today right, the gap could become a chasm.
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The most interesting thing to watch is the youth. Max Alleyne, the 20-year-old who was recalled from his loan at Watford, has been a revelation. Pep called him "exceptional" after the Newcastle win. If Nathan Ake isn't 100%, don't be shocked to see Alleyne start at Old Trafford. It’s a baptism of fire, but that’s how stars are born in this system.
Tactical Tweaks to Expect
Pep has been using Bernardo Silva in a much deeper role lately, almost as a secondary pivot next to Rodri. This gives Phil Foden the freedom to drift into those "half-spaces" where he’s most dangerous.
- The High Press: Without Dias, City can't afford to sit deep. They have to squeeze the pitch.
- Width: Semenyo and Doku will be tasked with stretching United’s full-backs to create lanes for Haaland.
- The Inverted Full-back: Rico Lewis will basically spend 80% of the game in midfield. We know the drill by now.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're looking for the final, official word on the team, here is what you need to do:
- Watch the 1 PM embargoed clips: Pep usually drops a hint about "last-minute fitness tests" right about now.
- Monitor Ait-Nouri: His jet lag might be the deciding factor in whether City plays a back three or a back four.
- Keep an eye on Tijjani Reijnders: He’s been the unsung hero of the rotation and could steal a starting spot from Nunes if Pep wants more defensive stability.
The reality is that Man City is thin but talented. They’ve won just one of their last five against United, and with Michael Carrick taking over as interim boss at Old Trafford, the "new manager bounce" is a terrifying prospect. But with Haaland leading the line and Foden in the form of his life, you’d be a brave soul to bet against them.
Check the official club channels exactly 60 minutes before kickoff tomorrow, but the blueprint is already being laid down on the training pitch this afternoon.