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Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is expecting a “good day” against in-form Southampton in Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final but says he still has “a lot of thoughts in my mind” about his team selection.
Guardiola’s side beat then-leaders Arsenal at home last Sunday and went top of the Premier League with a 1-0 win at Burnley on Tuesday, but their schedule will be relaxed with a nine-day break between the game at Wembley Stadium and their league trip to Everton on May 4 (20:00 BST).
“The game against Arsenal was very difficult in the atmosphere,” Guardiola said of City’s only rivals.
“People were tired, the question is who will be ready to play 95 minutes or extra time with many players who have many minutes on their legs.
“I have a lot to discuss with my employees. [Southampton] being able to knock out Arsenal and Fulham speaks for itself. It’s a great opportunity [for us] to reach the final.”
Southampton beat the Gunners 2-1 in the quarter-finals as part of a 20-match unbeaten run in all competitions and are fourth in the Championship after a 2-2 draw at home to central Bristol City on Tuesday.
Head coach Tonda Eckert took over the team as soon as he was brought in at the beginning of November but his side have a chance to win automatic promotion to the Premier League with two games left in their league season, as well as confirmation of a play-off spot.
“If you see where City score their goals, most of them are inside the six-yard box and most of them are inside the 18-yard box,” commented Eckert, via Southampton’s website.
“So there may be times when you just need to defend inside your box and be very clear on how to do that.
“On the other hand, there are plenty of opportunities – we will definitely have a few moments of change and we need to be very important to the ones they give us, because they won’t be too many.
“At the same time, you can’t rely only on defense in these games, so we have to be brave and find another gear and strength so that when we have the ball, we have slaves.
“We got a good combination of both these elements against Arsenal, and they will be key again.”
Manchester City v Southampton team news
Midfielder Rodri (groin) will miss a second game in a row for City, who are also without defenders Ruben Dias (hamstring) and Josko Gvardiol (broken leg).
James Trafford is likely to continue his FA Cup run starting in goal, with Gianluigi Donnarumma first choice on the bench.
Captain Jack Stephens is a doubt for Southampton after being ruled out of the game against the Robins during the warm-up.
Defensive midfielder Flynn Downes and left-back or midfielder Ryan Manning are suspended, and Eckert admits Southampton may need to adjust their pressing and build-up as a result.
“I’m sure we’ll find a way,” said the 33-year-old German, who is in his first year as a coach. “I am sure we will have a solution.”
