Premier League Giants Man City Face Giant-Killing Test Against Exeter in FA Cup Showdown
Manchester City are looking to cruise into the fourth round of the FA Cup as they welcome League One side Exeter City on Saturday afternoon.
A trio of consecutive Premier League stalemates has caused the Citizens to fall behind in the championship chase, but cup tournaments will offer a pleasant reprieve in the upcoming period. The clash with Exeter precedes their Carabao Cup semifinal opening leg encounter against Newcastle United next Tuesday.
Man City demolished Salford City with eight goals without reply in last season's third round and will be targeting a similarly commanding result this weekend. Major rotation is anticipated as Pep Guardiola gives his key players essential breaks, though this shouldn't prevent the seven-time FA Cup champions from securing a comfortable victory.
Exeter have found good momentum with three victories in their previous five matches, but boss Gary Caldwell, who was in the Wigan Athletic team that memorably defeated Man City in the 2013 FA Cup final, will still be dreading their visit to the Etihad Stadium. The Grecians sit just three points clear of relegation in League One despite their 14th position and anticipate a heavy defeat.
Here's Sports Illustrated's preview of the third round encounter.
What Time Does Man City vs. Exeter Kick Off?
Man City vs. Exeter Head-to-Head Record
This marks the inaugural competitive meeting between Man City and Exeter.
Current Form (All Competitions)
Man City | Exeter City |
|---|---|
Man City 1–1 Brighton - 07/01/26 | Huddersfield 2–2 Exeter - 04/01/26 |
Man City 1–1 Chelsea - 04/01/26 | Exeter 1–0 Luton - 01/01/26 |
Sunderland 0–0 Man City - 01/01/26 | Wimbledon 0–1 Exeter - 29/12/25 |
Nottingham Forest 1–2 Man City - 27/12/25 | Cardiff 1–0 Exeter - 26/12/25 |
Man City 3–0 West Ham - 20/12/25 | Exeter 3–0 Barnsley - 20/12/25 |
How to Watch Man City vs. Exeter on TV, Live Stream
Country | TV channel/live stream |
|---|---|
United Kingdom | Not televised—audio coverage available via BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra |
United States | ESPN Deportes, ESPN Select, ESPN App, fuboTV |
Canada | Sportsnet East, Sportsnet Ontario, Sportsnet Pacific, Sportsnet Plus |
Mexico | FOX One |
Man City Team News
Focus will center on new acquisition Antoine Semenyo this weekend, with the former Bournemouth player ready to face Exeter on Saturday. Whether he begins the match, appears as a substitute, or is given complete rest is yet to be determined.
Guardiola faces limited squad depth going into the third round fixture, though, with center-backs Rúben Dias, Joško Gvardiol and John Stones all sidelined. Mateo Kovačić is missing from midfield as well, while injuries to Savinho and Oscar Bobb reduce wide options.
Rayan Aït-Nouri and Omar Marmoush remain at the Africa Cup of Nations, further limiting Guardiola's team selection, and the Spanish coach is anticipated to provide chances to youth prospects and squad players.
Man City Predicted Lineup vs. Exeter
Man City predicted lineup vs. Exeter (4-2-3-1): Trafford; Lewis, Khusanov, Alleyne, O'Reilly; Gray, González; McAidoo, Cherki, R. Heskey; Mukasa.
Exeter Team News
Exeter will probably be missing Josh Magennis, Ryan Rydel, Johnly Yfeko and Danny Andrew for their journey to the Etihad. Sil Swinkels will also be unavailable for Caldwell, having recently returned to parent club Aston Villa before joining Chesterfield on loan.
Pierce Sweeney is expected to return to the starting eleven after being dropped against Huddersfield Town last weekend, partnering former Brighton & Hove Albion defender Ed Turns in defense.
Caldwell's sole other alteration might be Jake Doyle-Hayes, who could replace youngster Liam Oakes in the team.
Exeter Predicted Lineup vs. Man City
Exeter predicted lineup vs. Man City (3-4-1-2): Whitworth; Sweeney, Fitzwater, Turns; Niskanen, Doyle-Hayes, Brierley, McMillan; Cole; Wareham, Higgins.
Man City vs. Exeter Score Prediction
Injuries and international call-ups mean Guardiola's changed team will include several young players, but this shouldn't stop Man City from securing a straightforward win. Even if they begin cautiously at the Etihad, they can rely on some exceptional bench options.
Exeter will be eager to keep the scoreline respectable for as long as they can and perhaps exploit alterations in Man City's defensive line, but they will require an enormous upset to push the game into extra time—much less claim victory.