Overview
- Pep Guardiola said Erling Haaland is not 100 percent after a knock and is being monitored following his halftime withdrawal against Fulham.
- Omar Marmoush was selected to lead the line in Haaland’s absence in the confirmed team to face Salford.
- James Trafford started in goal, with first-choice goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma named among the substitutes.
- John Stones returned from injury and captained Manchester City for the cup tie.
- City rested several regulars, reflecting a focus on managing workloads during a tight Premier League title race and busy schedule.