Manchester City return to FA Cup action as they will welcome League Two side Salford City to the Etihad. After a string of bad results, Manchester City redeemed themselves with a huge 4-1 win over West Ham. Their opponents in this match have been taking League Two by storm this season. Sitting third place in the league, Salford city are currently enjoying a six-game winning streak without conceding a single goal.
Manchester City began their season in true fashion, going their first nine games unbeaten across all competitions. But what was to follow was one of the worst runs of results in Manchester City history. With two recent wins against Leicester and West Ham, Manchester City have only managed three wins in their last 14 games. With star midfielder Rodri ruled out for most of the season with an injury to his ACL, City need to strengthen their midfield and ensure they play with strength in a game they should dominate on paper.
Their opponents on the other hand have dominated their season so far. With a run of six wins from six games, Salford City have cemented themselves as a force to be reckon with. Former Oxford United manager Karl Robinson has been magical for Salford City since being appointed January last year. Robinson already has experience against the Sky Blues, losing twice to them with Oxford in 2018 and 2019 but is confident in his Salford side, saying in interview preparing to face Manchester City is “easy because of the quality of opposition.”
Formation: 3-2-4-1
Predicted Line-Up: Ortega; Walker, Simpson-Pusey, Gvardiol; O’Reilly, Gundogan; Grealish, Nunes, McAtee, Doku; Haaland
Manchester City have shown signs of turning their season back around with two brilliant performances, but a lot of damage has been done. While some starters will feature, it is likely that Guardiola will field some of his younger stars. Expressing great promise in young midfielder James McAtee, Salford City provides the perfect opportunity for the Englishman the perfect chance to showcase his ability.
Formation: 3-1-4-2
Predicted Line-Up: Jones; Shephard, Tilt, Garbutt; Ashley; Mnoga, Watson, Fornah, Berkoe; Adelakun, Stockton
Robinson’s attractive brand of attacking football will pose a threat against a struggling Manchester City defence but Pep Guardiola never counts out the lower league sides. English forward Cole Stockton has been a solid striking choice for Salford City this season, collecting nine goal contributions in his campaign so far this season. With Manchester City still slighting struggling and Salford City performing incredibly well, Can the soaring League Two side cause an upset and keep their FA cup hopes alive.
This will be the first time in which these two sides will face off against each other.
On paper, Manchester City will walk this game, but Salford are a team in great scoring form and are ready to fight.
For this reason, our betting experts suggest that Man City to Win, Over 3.5 goals and Both Teams To Score is the best value tip for this game. With odds at 5/2, a stake of £10 could see a return of up £35
Manchester City 3-1 Salford City
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