Manchester City head into their FA Cup fourth round clash with Crystal Palace on Saturday off the back of a frustrating 2-2 draw with Tottenham in the Premier League.

Pep Guardiola’s team were excellent in the first half, but didn’t get their just deserves until the early stages of the second when both Leroy Sane and Kevin De Bruyne profited from surprising Hugo Lloris errors to give the hosts a 2-0 lead.

However, goals from Dele Alli and Son Heung-min exposed City’s defensive deficiencies once again, and all but ended the Citizens’ hopes of regaining the Premier League title this term, given that they fell 12 points behind leaders Chelsea as a result.

Nonetheless, they can turn their attentions away from league matters this weekend when they travel to a struggling Palace in the FA Cup, looking to progress into the last 16 of a competition they won for a fifth time back in 2011.

City will be favourites to get through at Selhurst Park on Saturday, yet many still feel that Guardiola hasn’t quite got the squad he wants at the Etihad Stadium, and so may dip into the winter window for more additions.

Thus, here is what City’s dream spine could look like come the end of the month…

Ederson

Man City could really do with searching for another goalkeeper, as it appears that current number one Claudio Bravo just isn’t up to the job.

The Chilean international joined from Barcelona in the summer as Guardiola wanted a keeper who was good with his feet, yet it’s the 33-year-old’s shot-stopping which is seriously hampering City.

Bravo hasn’t made the saves needed to bail City out on occasion and, with a backline as vulnerable as theirs, you need a top-class goalkeeper.

Thus, Guardiola could turn his attentions to another keeper, and one he’s reportedly been linked with is Benfica’s talented youngster Ederson.

The 23-year-old has started 13 of their 18 league games this term, and kept nine clean sheets in his spell between the sticks.

City were loosely linked with the Brazilian last summer but no deal materialised, yet it seems that Guardiola is reigniting his interest in the young stopper, and could be set to move for him before the window shuts next week.

Virgil van Dijk

City have been disappointing at the back this season, with Nicolas Otamendi and John Stones both guilty of making costly errors.

Add in to that Vincent Kompany’s persistent injuries and City could really do with strengthening their central defensive options, and one man they’ve been linked with is Southampton’s Virgil van Dijk.

The Dutch defender has been outstanding for the Saints this season, and has arguably been one of the best centre-backs in the league so far this term.

His recent injury against Leicester could scupper any deal taking place between now and Tuesday, yet City should do all they can to get van Dijk to the Etihad, as his defensive capabilities as well as ability on the ball could be exactly what Guardiola needs to get his side competing for the title.

Fernandinho

He may have had a few disciplinary issues this season, but Fernandinho is still one of the best midfielders in the City squad.

The Brazilian international is currently serving a four-match suspension for his red card against Burnley on January 2 – his third sending off in his last six matches.

Nonetheless, the 31-year-old is still key to this City side given his excellent work-rate and energy in the middle of the park, where he helps out with both defensive duties and indeed attacking opportunities.

If he can get back to the level we’ve seen from him throughout his time at City, then Fernandinho will continue to control the midfield and be integral to this City side.

Sergio Aguero

Sergio Aguero may not appear to be at his absolute best this season, but the statistics suggest that he’s in for another fine campaign.

The Argentine international has scored 11 goals in just 16 Premier League appearances this term and, added on to goals he’s scored in the Champions League and FA Cup, the 28-year-old has netted 18 times in just 24 games in all competitions.

Given that he scored 29 in 44 last time out, Aguero is well on his way to surpassing that tally, even if many feel that he’s not at the level of previous seasons.

There was speculation that the forward may consider leaving City after he was omitted from their starting line-up against Barcelona earlier in the season, but he has since been a regular feature in the side, and looks set to get many more goals as the campaign progresses.