Overview

• Pep Guardiola stated he will not repeat the recent starting XI and described the Carabao Cup as a chance for academy players to play.
• Multiple outlets report that 18-year-old Divine Mukasa is expected to make his senior debut, with Stephen Mfuni also likely to feature, though the official lineup has not been released.
• Mukasa was kept at Under-18 level after arriving from West Ham in 2023 and delivered a prolific 2024/25 season before assisting in a pre-season friendly against Palermo.
• Injuries and fixture management prompted first-team training call-ups for Mukasa and others, and he has been named on the bench against Manchester United, Napoli and Arsenal.
• Local reports predict significant changes, with James Trafford tipped to start in goal and roles possible for Matheus Nunes or Rico Lewis, but these selections remain unconfirmed.