### Injured Manchester City Heads to Tottenham for Carabao Cup Clash

Manchester City embarks on a challenging trip to north London to face Tottenham Hotspur in the Carabao Cup, grappling with a significant injury list. While the reigning English champions hold the top spot in the Premier League, their squad is battered, revealing a deeper struggle behind their apparent dominance.

The injury woes for City are extensive. Rodri, freshly crowned as the Ballon d'Or winner, will not play for the rest of the season. Adding to Pep Guardiola's concerns, Oscar Bobb is out until the New Year, while Kevin De Bruyne and Kyle Walker remain sidelined with groin and thigh injuries, respectively. The absence of Jack Grealish for the third game in a row due to an unspecified injury, and Jérémy Doku's unavailability until the November international break further compounds the team's difficulties.

With three more away games looming in the next ten days, Guardiola is expected to leverage his academy players heavily for the Carabao Cup, a tournament he has indicated the team won’t expend much energy on.

The predicted lineup for City includes Stefan Ortega stepping in as goalkeeper, replacing Ederson for this domestic cup match. With Walker unavailable, 19-year-old Rico Lewis will continue at right-back, marking his 13th start this season. John Stones, fresh from just a minute-long appearance against Southampton, will anchor the central defense alongside 16-year-old Kaden Braithwaite, who impressed in a previous cup game.

Nathan Aké, having recovered from injury, is set to operate on the left-back position, providing a rested option in the backline. In midfield, 19-year-old Nico O'Reilly could make his third first-team appearance, playing alongside the experienced İlkay Gündoğan, who offers a blend of steadiness and skill.

In the attacking positions, Brazilian youth talent Savinho, will likely start on the right wing, whereas James McAtee is anticipated to occupy the central attacking midfield role, continuing to gain valuable minutes. Matheus Nunes, despite irregular playing time, has already contributed significantly this season and will probably feature on the left wing.

Phil Foden, having secured an 11th-place finish in the 2024 Ballon d'Or rankings, is expected to lead the line, offering Erling Haaland a much-needed rest.

As Manchester City faces Tottenham Hotspur, Guardiola's tactical acumen and reliance on emerging talents will be tested against a formidable squad, amidst the team's ongoing struggle with injuries.