Manchester City seek to avoid a shock cupset against Salford in the Third Round of 2024-25 FA Cup.
Man City are looking to avoid suffering a third round exit for the first time since 2011-12 season, whilst Salford look to extend their longest-ever run in this competition.
Team News
Ederson could return for Man City following his recovery from a leg injury.
Ruben Dias (muscle), John Stones (foot), Oscar Bobb (leg) and Rodri (knee) remain ruled out.
Salford could be without Ben Woodburn after he missed their League Two victory at MK Dons.
Dan Chesters (ACL), James Chester, Kelly Nmai, Francis Okoronkwo and Josh Austerfield (all unspecified) are still absent.
When is Kick-Off?
Man City host Salford at Etihad Stadium on Saturday 11 January at 5:45pm GMT, live on BBC One in the UK.
Stat Attack
- This is Man City’s first-ever meeting against Salford in all competitions
- Salford are facing top-flight opposition for the first time in the FA Cup.
- Karl Robinson’s Salford lost their only previous domestic cup tie against Premier League opposition – which came at home to Burnley in Third Round of last season’s Carabao Cup.
- Man City have won each of their last 16 FA Cup ties against lower-league opposition (W16).
- Salford have scored at least twice in each of their last four FA Cup ties (W2, D2).
Prediction
Now back on the winning trail with consecutive clinical wins even if not back at their absolute best, Man City have to view this as an opportunity to continue that momentum but I do seriously expect heavy squad rotation here, which is good for the fringe players but might not be the best time when just rediscovering their spark.
Salford meanwhile are absolute underdogs but after quietly surfing up the League Two table with six straight wins, confidence is high amongst the squad yet I think that their priority is in the league unless can score first then sit resiliently deep until full time.
That though is just too huge an ask for Salford and I do expect this to be an one-sided result.
Prediction: Manchester City 4-0 Salford
Result: Manchester City 8-0 Salford