Manchester City's peripheral figures should be given the chance to impress on Saturday when the Cityzens host Salford City in the FA Cup third round.
Pep Guardiola is likely to call for changes at the Etihad Stadium, offering academy prospects and fringe players the chance to stake their claim. With a busy month ahead that includes seven games in three different competitions, City cannot afford to risk their best and brightest against League Two opposition.
Having reached the final over the last two seasons, including a bitter defeat to local rivals Manchester United last May, here's how town could line up for their first FA Cup clash in 2024/25.
GK: Stefan Ortega – Ederson is close to a return to action, having been absent since the Manchester derby in mid-December. However, Ortega should retain his starting place on Saturday, or perhaps Scott Carson will make his second appearance for the club since joining in 2019.
CB: Kyle Walker – Walker has fallen out of favor after a string of questionable performances, but the speedy Englishman could be used as a supporting centre-half.
CB: Jahmai Simpson-Pusey – The 19-year-old has already made five appearances for City's senior side and could make it a sixth against Salford.
CB: Josko Guardiol – Guardiol has been way below his best this season. Constant mistakes and blunders have proved costly for the Cityzens, but he is being forced to play in poor form due to defensive injuries.
DM: Nico O'Reilly – O'Reilly has been a regular on the bench for City this season and has made several appearances in the cup competitions. The 19-year-old has shown impressive composure in the engine room when called upon.
DM: Ilkay Gundogan – With Rico Lewis and Mateo Kovacic being Guardiola's preferred defensive midfield partnership in Rodri's absence, Gundogan is likely to act as a leader in a much-changed and youthful squad.
RM: Jeremy Doku – The City captain has been bigger than Savinho in recent weeks, but Saturday should at least get him some minutes.
CM: James McAtee – Guardiola has spoken highly of McAtee since his recent impressive displays and has stated his intention to offer the young midfielder greater opportunities. Saturday is the perfect opportunity to fulfill his promise.
CM: Matheus Nunes – The Portuguese had enjoyed a number of appearances during City's rotten end to 2024, but injury has limited his involvement in recent weeks. After returning to the bench against West Ham United last time out, he could be promoted to the starting line-up.
LM: Jack Grealish – Grealish's City career is in danger of disappearing and even a dazzling performance against Salford won't change that. However, this could provide the perfect confidence boost for the England winger.
ST: Erling Haaland – With no support for Haaland in their squad, City may be forced to start the Norwegian cyborg on Saturday. However, he will probably relish the prospect of goals, goals, goals.