Our Manchester City fans here in the Transfer Tavern today, are hoping that Pep Guardiola starts to use some of the infamous academy players to make up the numbers in his squad today.

Indeed, Guardiola chose to bench six players last weekend, in what some say was a protest against his players being targetted. However, many of the regulars in bar believe he should have used a youth academy player to make up the numbers. City host Leicester City in the late kick-off today, and will be hoping to continue their relentless assault on the Premier League title and perhaps it’s a great time to make use of that extensive academy system. Alongside that, they will want a win to go into the final of the Carabao Cup against Arsenal in good spirits the weekend after.

While the Citizens have seven first-team players missing at the moment, our chief barman feel like Pep should use this opportunity to blood some youngsters into the first team as he could look to rest players ahead of the final.

With that mind, our landlord takes a look at two youth academy players that should make the step up in today’s match…

Benjamin Garre

The Man City u23 player has impressed in the youth development league this year. The winger can play on either flank but his preferred left wing position is where he is most prolific, Garre has scored six goals this season alongside four assists in his 22 games across all competitions.

With Leroy Same out, it could be a great chance for the Argentine to step up to the plate and make a case for first-team minutes.

Lukas Nmecha

The England man has represented his country from u16 to u19 levels so far, and this season he’s been at his most prolific scoring nine goals in 10 games in the league and cups, alongside an assist.

While still only 19, Nmecha should look at starting to break into the first team, especially while Gabriel Jesus is out injured. Nmecha looks a real talent and he seems to thrive in the striker position for the club, many of our Citizens in the bar are excited to see him develop.