Located just 4.5 miles apart, but operating in entirely different stratifies, these two clubs have never previously met. Man City have reached, at least the FA Cup semi-finals in each of the last six seasons, most-recently beaten in round three in 2012, last exiting at this stage at the hands of lower-league opposition in 2009, ousted by Nottingham Forest back then.
Manchester City vs Salford City Preview
After back-to-back Premier League victories, will the newly-found feel-good factor at Mancester City continue? Either side of New Year's Day, the Sky Blues beat Leicester 2-0 and West Ham 4-1, Erling Braut Håland scoring thrice across these two victories, thereby yielding more points from those two matches than the previous nine Premier League fixtures combined. Pep Guardiola's team do remain sixth in the table, ahead of a tough-looking fixture list to come, and given that the Sky Blues are almost certainly not going to win a fifth successive title, the FA Cup is by far their best route to silverware. The Citizens have already become the first team in competition history to reach the semis in six successive seasons, so will this be the start of another journey with Wembley the destination?
Salford City meantime have reached round three for the very first time, overcoming both Shrewsbury and then Cheltenham at Moor Lane to set up this glamour tie at the Premier League champions. Karl Robinson's team are obviously underdogs, but will come into the match full of confidence, having won six successive EFL League Two matches, most-recently beating Milton Keynes 1-0 a week ago, with Hakeeb Adelakun the only scorer at Stadium MK. Between 2015 and 2019, following the Project 92 takeover, the Ammies enjoyed four promotions in just five seasons, but have rather been stuck in the fourth-tier ever since, albeit their recent winning streak has propelled them up to third, thereby occupying the final automatic promotion place. So, backed by over 5,000 supporters on Saturday evening, more than can fit inside their home stadium, can Salford spring and all-time FA Cup shock?
Manchester City vs Salford City Head-to-Head Record
These two clubs have never previously met.
Manchester City Team News
With a tricky trip to Brentford to come on Tuesday, Pep Guardiola will heavily rotate. Rúben Dias, John Stones, Rodri and Oscar Bobb remain sidelined, while injury will prevent 19-year-old Claudio Echeverri, who just arrived from River Plate, from making his debut for now. In goal, with Ederson out, Stefan Ortega has been deputising, so will he be donning the gloves again, or could third-choice Scott Carson make only his third appearance, six years after joining the club? At the other end of the age spectrum, youngsters Jahmai Simpson-Pusey, James McAtee and Nico O'Reilly will all be hoping to start, while Matheus Nunes is set to feature for the first time since 15 December following injury.
Manchester City predicted lineup vs Salford City: (4-2-3-1): Ortega; Walker, Simpson-Pusey, Akanji, Lewis; Gündoğan, O'Reilly, McAtee, Savinho, Grealish; Håland.
Manchester City Player to Watch vs Salford City
It's now 392 days since Jack Grealish most-recently scored for Man City, and he'll surely be viewing this as a golden opportunity to end this barren run.
Manchester City vs Salford City Prediction
We're unsurprisingly expected Manchester City to cruise to victory on Saturday evening at the Etihad, in a game that's unlikely to be much of a contest for long: Manchester City 4-0 Salford City.
Manchester City vs Salford City FAQs - FA Cup
How to watch Manchester City vs Salford City FA Cup game on TV channel?
Manchester City vs Salford City FA Cup game will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: BBC1
- USA: ESPN+
- Canada: Sportsnet World Now
How to watch Manchester City vs Salford City FA Cup game on live streaming?
Manchester City vs Salford City FA Cup game will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: BBCiPlayer
- USA: ESPN+
- Canada: Sportsnet World Now
What is the date and kick-off time for Manchester City vs Salford City in the FA Cup?
Manchester City vs Salford City takes place on Saturday 11 January 2025, with kick off at 17:45 (GMT), 12:45 (EDT) & 9:45 (PST).