Arsenal vs. Manchester City: Starting Lineup Prediction for the Blues

Roberto Mancini has hit out at the fixture congestion which sees his side travel to Arsenal's Emirates Stadium just two days after a tough fought point away at Anfield.

"Arsenal played on Saturday, we played on Sunday evening. Monday we travel to London and we play Tuesday night. For us to play again in two days like this so soon after the Champions League is incredible," the Blues boss said.

Heavy changes are therefore expected for the Carling Cup quarterfinal, with Mancini even suggesting that every position will be rotated.

"Yes, it's not difficult to do that because it's impossible [to retain the same starting 11]," he said.

Costel Pantilimon

Although a Romanian international goalkeeper, the summer acquisition has so far only featured in the Carling Cup ties versus Birmingham City and Wolverhampton Wanderers. Continuing in the cup competitions seems the most likely progression, as Joe Hart further cemented his credentials with a Man of the Match display versus Liverpool this weekend.

Pablo Zabaleta, Stefan Savic, Kolo Toure, Aleksandar Kolarov

The squad strength is extremely obvious when it comes to selecting a Blues backline. Mancini will be able to fully rotate all four positions, with international-standard players able to fill in the gaps. Stefan Savic is still settling into City life, whilst Kolo Toure appears to be nearing the Eastlands exit door, but they will present their case for first-team action tonight.

Abdul Razak, Nigel de Jong

Owen Hargreaves has returned to training, but so far has made only one start for Manchester City, in the third round of the Carling Cup at home to Birmingham City. A trip to the Emirates in the quarterfinals is a different proposition for a player who is being eased into regular action, with an appearance from the bench most likely.

Abdul Razak has completed an impressive loan spell at Portsmouth and will look to continue his impressive form when given a chance in the City starting 11.

Adam Johnson, Samir Nasri, Denis Suarez

All eyes will be on Samir Nasri, following his summer move from North London, citing a need to win trophies. Although Mancini's suggestion is a complete rotation of the 11 players which started Sunday's match at Anfield, I would be surprised if Nasri does not start. Adam Johnson caused havok as Wolverhampton Wanderers were dispatched in the next round, whilst 17-year-old Denis Suarez is one of the most promising players from Manchester City's Elite Development Squad.

Edin Dzeko

With Mario Balotelli currently serving a one-match suspension for two yellow cards at Anfield, Bosnian international Edin Dzeko will have the opportunity to lead the line. Kolarov and Dzeko have formed an impressive on-pitch relationship, with the attacking left-back often locating the target man with his extensive passing range. This will be an area City will look to exploit as the attempt their second Carling Cup semifinal in three years.