With the likes of teenage midfielder Shaleum Logan set to be handed their chance, it seems Eriksson will allow senior players such as Dietmar Hamann, Richard Dunne and Micah Richards the night off at Aston Gate.
That could mean Croatian Vedran Corluka is moved to the centre of defence.
Striker Rolando Bianchi, substitute in the last two matches, could also start against the Coca-Cola Championship side.
Bristol City have summer signing Ivan Sproule available for the first time.
The former Hibernian winger, who has been named in Northern Ireland's squad for their forthcoming Euro 2008 qualifying matches against Latvia and Iceland, has completed a four-match suspension following his disciplinary problems with the SPL side last season.
Manager Gary Johnson will otherwise choose from an unchanged squad.
Defender Jamie McCombe and striker Steve Brooker are closing in on a return to action after their respective shin and knee problems.
However, midfielder David Noble's absence could be prolonged after he was sent for another scan on the groin injury that has ruled him out so far this season.
Manchester City (from): Schmeichel, Logan, Corluka, Dunne, Ball, Onuoha, Johnson, Ireland, Geovanni, Mpenza, Bianchi, Elano, Garrido, Hart, Corradi, Petrov, Fernandes, Richards, Sun Jihai.