Manchester City vs Salford City Prediction, Lineups, Preview and Team News | FA Cup, January 11, 2025

Manchester City vs Salford City Preview

• Competition: FA Cup.
• Date: Saturday, January 11.
• Time: 5:45 PM GMT.
• Venue: Etihad Stadium.

Manchester City vs Salford City will be one of several games played in Round 3 of the FA Cup and will take place at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, January 11 in the late kick-off slot.

The Cityzens will enter this game on the back of a revival in their form. They have won two of their last five matches across competitions, securing one draw and falling to defeats in the other two. In this run, they have scored nine goals and conceded six, keeping one clean sheet in the process as well. Unbeaten in their last three with wins in their last two games, things are looking up for Manchester City squad and they will look to maintain this.

Salford, on the other hand, will enter this game on the back of six straight wins in their last six games across competitions. In this run, they have shown great displays on both ends of the field. They have scored 12 goals in these six games and kept clean sheets in each one as their defence just keeps getting better with time. However, they will be wary of Manchester City and will look to stay similarly compact in the next game as well.

On that note, let’s take a look at the team news coming out of both camps.

Manchester City Team News

Manager Pep Guardiola fielded a strong team in their last match as they secured a 4-1 win and looked like they are getting closer to their fearsome selves. A big positive is that there were no new injuries or suspensions, meaning Oscar Bobb, Rodri, Ederson, Ruben Dias and John Stones are the only players out for the next match.

Salford City Team News

Manager Karl Robinson went with his trusted XI in the last match as they secured a narrow 1-0 win away to MK Dons. Most players, especially the defenders and goalkeeper Matthew Young, had exceptional games as they helped the team keep a clean sheet. Robinson will look to keep the same combination for the next game in search of a win.

Predicted Lineups

Manchester City Predicted Lineup (4-1-4-1)

Goalkeeper: Stefan Ortega.

Defenders: Rico Lewis, Manuel Akanji, Nathan Ake, Josko Gvardiol.

Midfielders: Mateo Kovacic, Kevin De Bruyne (C), Bernardo Silva.

Forwards: Phil Foden, Savinho, Erling Haaland.

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Salford City Predicted Lineup (3-1-4-2)

Goalkeeper: Matthew Young.

Defenders: Liam Shephard, Curtis Tilt (C), Luke Garbutt.

Midfielders: Haji Mnoga, Ryan Watson, Ossama Ashley, Tyrese Fornah, Kevin Berkoe.

Forwards: Hakeeb Adelakun, Cole Stockton.

Manchester City vs Salford City Head-to-Head Record

Despite hailing from the same city, these two teams have never faced each other before – be it competitive or friendlies. This means the upcoming match will be the first meeting between Manchester City and Salford City.

Key Players to Watch

Erling Haaland (Manchester City)

The Norwegian seems to have roared back into form after a rather dull November and December. Haaland has scored 16 goals and provided one assist in the Premier League this season. Three of those goals have come in the last two games and he will look to carry the same form forward into the cup tie.

Cole Stockton (Salford City)

Stockton has been in great form for Salford of late and has been their top contributor this season. He has also been very consistent with his output and has racked up five goals and two assists in his team’s last nine matches across competitions. Being the main player, the team will rely on him to produce moments of brilliance against Manchester City.

Manchester City vs Salford City Prediction

Since there is no head-to-head record to go by, the recent form guides for both teams point towards a potentially tricky match for Manchester City despite being three divisions above Salford City. However, the sheer quality in their squad should make the result easy.

Prediction: Manchester City 3-0 Salford City

Where to watch Manchester City vs Salford City live?

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