2024-25 FA Cup: Fifth Round – Man City vs Plymouth

Manchester City look to avoid a fifth-round cupset against Plymouth Argyle in the 2024-25 FA Cup. 

Victory would see Man City reach the Quarter-Final stage for a seventh consecutive season, whilst Plymouth look to cause a cupset and reach the last eight for the first time since 2006-07 campaign.

 

Team News

Man City have no fresh injury concerns following their narrow league win at Tottenham in midweek.

Oscar Bobb (fitness), Manuel Akanji (muscle), John Stones (thigh) and Rodri (knee) remain ruled out.

Plymouth will be without Muhamed Tijani after he suffered a hamstring injury this week.

Joe Edwards (hamstring), Brendan Galloway (hip) and Ryan Hardie (back) are still sidelined.

 

When is Kick-Off?

Man City host Plymouth at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday 1 March at 5:45pm GMT, live on ITV4 and ITVX in the UK.

 

Stat Attack

• Man City won their only previous FA Cup meeting against Plymouth by a 3-1 result in this very round in February 1988.
• Plymouth lost their only previous FA Cup visit to Man City which came by the above result (L1).
• Man City have scored ten goals and conceded once in their two FA Cup matches this season (W2).
• Both of Plymouth’s two FA Cup goals this season were scored in the second half.

 

Prediction

As one of just two ‘big six’ clubs left in the competition, Man City surely have to feel confident that they can once again push for semi-finals at minimum depending on the Quarter-Final draw, especially given their squad depth and quality but they can’t underestimate Plymouth despite having home advantage.

Strongly considered underdogs in this game, Plymouth know that this is simply a free hit because their priority is Championship survival but I do expect them to at least give this a proper shot to do their travelling supporters proud such is the long journey that they’re making.

I however just don’t see Man City losing this if they turn up with the right attitude and performance as Plymouth’s defence won’t be able to keep them out on their own turf, yet Leyton Orient showed that City could be vulnerable if the opposition digs in and take their chances early.

Prediction: Man City 4-0 Plymouth

Result: Man City 3-1 Plymouth