Pep Guardiola has been urged to make a bold selection call ahead of FA Cup quarter-final clash between Manchester City and Liverpool at Etihad Stadium.
The fixture arrives at a significant moment in City’s season. Fresh from their triumph over Arsenal in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley Stadium, Guardiola’s side are still chasing multiple honours.
While their Premier League ambitions remain complicated by a nine-point gap to the leaders, progression in the FA Cup would keep alive hopes of securing a domestic treble.
However, attention has turned to team selection, particularly involving Rayan Cherki, whose performance in that recent final has divided opinion.
Former England international Paul Merson has openly questioned whether the midfielder should retain his place in the starting line-up for such a high-stakes encounter.
Merson’s comments have added intrigue to what was already shaping up to be one of the standout fixtures of the round.
The FA Cup has often delivered unpredictable narratives, and Guardiola’s decision-making could prove pivotal in determining whether City continue their pursuit of silverware.
Merson questions Cherki’s role after Wembley display
In his assessment ahead of the match, Merson did not hold back in his critique of Cherki’s conduct during the Carabao Cup final.
The Frenchman’s performance, while technically impressive at times, drew attention for what some perceived as unnecessary flair in key moments.
Merson told Sportskeeda: “As an ex-professional footballer, I did not like the show-boating from Rayan Cherki. He’s fortunate we are in 2026 and not the 1990s. It was a bit disrespectful.”
While modern players are often encouraged to express themselves, there remains an expectation—particularly in high-pressure matches—that efficiency and discipline take precedence over individual exhibition.
For Guardiola, the challenge lies in balancing creativity with control. Cherki is widely regarded as one of the most technically gifted players in City’s squad, capable of unlocking defences with moments of brilliance.
Yet, in matches where margins are tight, tactical discipline and collective cohesion often become decisive factors.
Merson went further in suggesting that the City manager might opt for a more direct and proven approach against Liverpool’s dynamic system.
He said: “I don’t think Cherki starts this game. Pep Guardiola is expected to stick with Jeremy Doku, who was brilliant against Liverpool earlier this season.”
Jeremy Doku has been a key attacking outlet for City, particularly in wide areas where his pace and dribbling ability can stretch opposition defences.
His previous performances against Liverpool may weigh heavily in Guardiola’s thinking as he prepares for another tactical battle with Jurgen Klopp’s side.
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The decision is not simply about dropping a player, but about selecting the right profile for a specific opponent.
Liverpool’s intensity, pressing, and transitional threat often demand players who can quickly adapt to changing phases of play. In that context, Doku’s directness could be viewed as a more suitable option.
Wide battles could decide outcome at Etihad
Beyond individual selection debates, Merson also highlighted the tactical areas that could ultimately determine the result. In particular, he pointed to the importance of wide duels, where both teams possess significant attacking weapons.
Liverpool’s threat is often spearheaded by Mohamed Salah, whose consistency and goal-scoring record make him one of the most dangerous forwards in European football.
Containing Salah will be a priority for City, requiring both defensive organisation and support from their wide players.
Merson emphasised this aspect, stating: “The battle in the wide areas between Doku and Jeremie Frimpong, and Nico O’Reilly up against Salah could be where this game is won and lost!”
