Verdict: Rayan Cherki to score anytime
Best Odds: 2/1
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
Turning their attention back to FA Cup duties on Saturday afternoon, Manchester City will welcome local rivals Salford to the Etihad.
Manchester City
Starting with the hosts, while Manchester City might still have a real battle on their hands in the race to recapture domestic crown this season, Pep Guardiola’s superstar squad are enjoying what has been a real domestic romp. Putting in a dominant performance at the Etihad on Wednesday night as they clinched a routine 3-0 victory against Fulham, the Sky Blues will be dreaming of the chance to complete another iconic domestic silverware sweep over the coming months. Mounting a sensational last-gasp comeback away at bitter rivals Liverpool last weekend as they eventually left Anfield with a remarkable 2-1 victory, Guardiola’s men are unbeaten in all of their previous six appearances across all competitions (five wins, one draw). Extending on their FA Cup adventure on January 10th as they claimed a record-breaking 10-1 romp against Exeter, City will be confident of running rampant at the Etihad once again.
Manchester City Team News
Undergoing surgery last month after sustaining a broken shin, there has been Croatian defender Josko Gvardiol will not play any part for the foreseeable future. Likewise, fellow Croatian compatriot and former Chelsea star Mateo Kovacic remains on the sidelines with a heel issue.
Ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup tie, Guardiola is expected to make a string of alterations and will be looking to give some of his fringe superstars a chance to get some minutes. All settling for a spot on the bench against Fulham in midweek, the likes of Rico Lewis, Nico Gonzalez and ex-Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford will be handed starts.
Salford City
As for the visitors, while Salford might have made an immediate return to losing ways last weekend as they eventually fell to a toothless 1-0 loss away at Accrington Stanley, Karl Robinson’s side are still leading the chase in the play-off chase. Desperate to secure a maiden adventure in League One, the former MK Dons boss has seen his squad suffer just a pair of defeats from any of their previous 13 appearances across all competitions – a run that stems all the way back to December 2nd. However, despite winning four of their previous five showdowns away from Moor Lane, Salford will certainly be more than aware they face a monumental challenge this weekend. In fact, when they travelled to the Etihad for an FA Cup tie last season, Robinson’s camp slumped to an 8-0 drumming.
Salford City Team News
While Brandon Cooper might have missed out away at Accrington Stanley last week with a reported knock, the former Leyton Orient defender is expected to be part of Robinson’s travelling squad here. However, not making a single appearance since the end of September, Michael Rose remains on the sidelines with a muscle issues.
Complying what was an astonishing free switch to Moor Lane back in October, one-time Liverpool striker Fabio Born could play some part here. Now in his third campaign with the Ammies, former Everton youngster Luke Garbutt will start at the back.
Manchester City vs Salford City Key Factors to Consider
- When Manchester City last welcomed Salford to the Etihad for an FA Cup tie in January 2025, the Sky Blues stormed their way to an 8-0 romp.
- Man City are unbeaten in their previous six appearances across all competitions (five wins, one draw).
- Extending on their FA Cup adventure on January 10th thanks to a 10-1 victory against Exeter, City have won their previous five showdowns at the Etihad by an aggregate score of 10-2.
- Since arriving from Bournemouth last month, Antoine Semenyo has registered seven direct goal contributions (five goals, two assists).
- Despite falling to a 1-0 loss away at Accrington Stanley last time out, Salford have won each of their other four matchups away from Moor Lane.
Conclusion
Extending on their FA Cup adventure last month as they stormed their way to that stunning 10-1 victory against Exeter, City will be looking to make another record-breaking statement here. Dreaming of the chance to complete another domestic silverware sweep this season, Guardiola’s superstar squad also claimed a thumping 8-0 romp when they welcomed Salford to the Etihad for an FA Cup tie 13 months ago. While the Sky Blues might be set to make a whole host of alterations this weekend, chances will certainly come thick and fast.
Verdict: Rayan Cherki to score anytime
Best Odds: 2/1
Bookmaker: Olympusbet