2022-23 FA Cup: Fourth Round – Manchester City vs Arsenal

Manchester City meet Arsenal at Etihad Stadium in a blockbuster Fourth Round tie in 2022-23 FA Cup. 

Victory would see Man City reach the Fifth Round for an eighth consecutive season, whilst Arsenal are looking to advance beyond this stage for the first time since they last won this competition in 2019-20 season.

 

Team News

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Phil Foden is Man City’s only injury doubt after he was left out of their 3-0 league win against Wolves, due to a foot injury.

Kyle Walker, Ruben Dias, Cole Palmer and Julian Alvarez are amongst several players looking to start, after they were named on the bench last weekend.

Arsenal will again be without midfielder, Mohamed Elneny who is ruled out indefinitely with a knee injury.

Reiss Nelson (thigh) and Gabriel Jesus (knee) both remain absent.

 

When is Kick-Off?

Man City welcome Arsenal to Etihad Stadium on Friday 27 January at 8pm GMT, with the match televised live on ITV1 in UK.

 

Stat Attack

  • Man City have won just one of five previous FA Cup meetings against Arsenal (W1, L4).
  • Arsenal won their only previous FA Cup visit to Man City by 2-1 result in February 1971, albeit at City’s former home – Maine Road.
  • This is the first time that Man City are meeting Arsenal in the FA Cup before both clubs have played at least one of their two league meetings.
  • Man City have lost just one of their last five home matches in FA Cup against Premier League opposition – excluding ties at neutral venues (W4, L1).
  • Arsenal are unbeaten in four of their last five FA Cup away ties against fellow top-flight opposition – excluding ties at neutral venues (W4, L1).

 

Prediction

Despite being title rivals in the Premier League, this meeting is the first time this season that Man City and Arsenal will collide which is quite exciting because it makes it harder to predict just what could happen here.

Man City though come into this game off the back of a dominant victory against Wolves which they controlled with ease from the first whistle, although they did largely need three clinical moments from Erling Haaland to get the job done so other players must step up here.

Arsenal meanwhile found themselves in a tough scrap to beat Manchester United last weekend which will stand them in good stead here, especially after demonstrating fantastic desire in attacking intensity and finishing amidst some defensive sloppiness.

Goals therefore should be guaranteed here given the quality in both teams and I can’t see either manager fielding a weaker starting line-up than normal, but if Arsenal’s defence can withstand City’s dominant intensity then I reckon we could be in for a replay back at Emirates Stadium.

Prediction: Manchester City 1-1 Arsenal

Result: Manchester City 1-0 Arsenal

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