Manchester City Face Giant-Killing Test as Salford Hunt FA Cup Upset in Fourth Round Showdown
Manchester City will aim to secure a comfortable passage to the FA Cup fifth round as they host local rivals Salford City at the Etihad Stadium this Saturday afternoon.
The League Two side, owned by the 'Class of '92', suffered a devastating 8–0 defeat against Pep Guardiola's team in this tournament last year. This time around, they've reached the fourth round for the first time ever, following a thrilling 3–2 win over Swindon Town last month.
Despite enjoying their memorable visit to the Etihad 13 months earlier, Karl Robinson might have hoped for a different opponent this weekend, particularly after witnessing City demolish Exeter City 10–1 in the last round.
Guardiola's squad reached the final last season but fell short, and they approach this match following an impressive recent spell. After their stunning comeback victory at Anfield, they secured a commanding 3–0 win against Fulham, while Arsenal's 1–1 stalemate at Brentford on Thursday leaves City just four points behind at the top of the Premier League table.
What Time Does Man City vs. Salford Kick Off?
What Time Does Man City vs. Salford Kick Off?
Man City vs. Salford Head-to-Head Record (All Games)
Man City vs. Salford Head-to-Head Record (All Games)
Current Form (All Competitions)
Current Form (All Competitions)
Man City (WWWDW) | Salford (LLWLW) |
|---|---|
Man City 3–0 Fulham | Accrington Stanley 1–0 Salford |
Liverpool 1–2 Man City | Tranmere 0–2 Salford |
Man City 3–1 Newcastle | Salford 0–1 Chesterfield |
Tottenham 2–2 Man City | Salford 1–0 Bristol Rovers |
Man City 2–0 Galatasaray | Salford 3–2 Swindon |
How to Watch Man City vs. Salford on TV, Live Stream
How to Watch Man City vs. Salford on TV, Live Stream
Country | TV Channel/Live Stream |
|---|---|
United Kingdom | Not available – radio coverage provided by TalkSport 2 Radio UK |
United States | ESPN Deportes, ESPN Select, fuboTV, ESPN App |
Canada | Sportsnet One, Sportsnet Plus |
Mexico | TNT Sports, Max Mexico, TNT Go |
Man City Team News
Man City Team News
Erling Haaland broke his Premier League scoring drought from open play during the week, but was subsequently substituted at the interval due to a potential injury concern. Although the striker appears to have escaped serious damage, he's unlikely to feature this weekend.
Guardiola has indicated that a final decision on his availability will be made following Friday's training session, which also applies to John Stones. The centre-back returned to the matchday squad on Wednesday evening but remained unused on the bench.
Beyond that, City's injury list remains unchanged ahead of Salford's arrival. Savinho, Joško Gvardiol, Mateo Kovačić and Jérémy Doku continue to be sidelined.
17-year-old Ryan McAidoo could earn his first senior start after finding the net on his debut against Exeter in the third round.
Man City Predicted Lineup vs. Salford
Man City Predicted Lineup vs. Salford
Man City predicted lineup vs. Salford (4-1-4-1): Trafford; Lewis, Stones, Alleyne, Aït-Nouri; González; Cherki, Reijnders, O'Reilly, McAidoo; Marmoush.
Salford Team News
Salford Team News
Just a handful of Salford players will be making their second appearance at the Etihad on Saturday afternoon, notably defender Luke Garbutt and goalkeeper Matty Young.
The away side will be missing Jay Bird, Tom Edwards, Ade Oluwo, Michael Rose and Kadeem Harris due to injury concerns, while Haji Mnoga and Brandon Cooper are also doubtful.
Tottenham Hotspur prospect Alfie Dorrington arrived on loan in January and is expected to feature in the heart of Salford's defensive line this weekend.
Salford Predicted Lineup vs. Man City
Salford Predicted Lineup vs. Man City
Salford predicted lineup vs. Man City (3-1-4-2): Young; Turton, Dorrington, Garbutt; Butcher; Longelo, Woodburn, Grant, N'Mai; Graydon, Udoh.
Man City vs. Salford Score Prediction
Man City vs. Salford Score Prediction
There won't be much drama in Manchester this weekend, with City anticipated to dominate once again against Robinson's Salford side.
Nevertheless, we'll be generous and forecast the Citizens to prevail by a more modest scoreline. While Salford's recent results have been inconsistent, they sit sixth in League Two and will be eager to avoid another humiliating defeat.
They might even manage to find the back of the net.
Prediction: Man City 5–1 Salford