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Manchester City start their FA Cup journey on Saturday when they host League Two side Salford City in the third round.

The Cityzens have endured several months of mediocrity and underperformance but have bounced back with successive victories over Leicester City and West Ham United in the Premier League. With fixtures against Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal over the next month, Saturday may provide Pep Guardiola with the opportunity to rest a number of first-teamers.

Salford, who are owned by a cohort of former Manchester United players, will be aiming to spring an almighty surprise on last season’s FA Cup finalists. Karl Robinson’s side have won their last six without conceding and will be full of confidence heading to the Etihad Stadium.

Here is 90min’s guide to Man City vs Salford.

Man City vs Salford H2H Record

This is the first competitive fixture between Man City and Salford.

Current form (all competitions)

Man City

Salford

Man City 4-1 West Ham – 04/01/25

MK Dons 0-1 Salford – 04/01/25

Leicester 0-2 Man City – 29/12/24

Harrogate 0-2 Salford – 01/01/25

Man City 1-1 Everton – 26/12/24

Salford 1-0 Morecambe – 29/12/24

Aston Villa 2-1 Man City – 21/12/24

Salford 3-0 Barrow – 26/12/24

Man City 1-2 Man Utd – 15/12/24

Accrington 0-2 Salford – 21/12/24

Country

TV channel/live stream

United Kingdom

BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport Website

United States

ESPN+, ESPN App

Canada

Sportsnet World Now, Sportsnet Now, Sportsnet World, Sportsnet One, Sportsnet Now Plus

John Stones

John Stones is among the absentees / Catherine Ivill – AMA/GettyImages

Man City are likely to be without a host of key players for Salford’s visit. John Stones and Ruben Dias are making progress in their injury recoveries but remain out, while Ederson is unlikely to feature despite recently returning to training.

Oscar Bobb is edging closer to a return but is still some way off making his comeback after a broken leg, while Rodri will almost certainly miss the remainder of the campaign through an ACL tear.

Youngsters such as Nico O’Reilly, Jahmai Simpson-Pusey and James McAtee could all be gifted invaluable opportunities.

Man City predicted lineup vs Salford (3-2-4-1): Ortega; Walker, Simpson-Pusey, Gvardiol; O’Reilly, Gundogan; Doku, McAtee, Nunes, Grealish; Haaland.

Karl Robinson

Karl Robinson is looking to please Salford’s owners / James Baylis – AMA/GettyImages

Salford have been flying up the League Two table in recent weeks and are now perched in third as they chase automatic promotion to the third tier. Despite their fight for league success, they’re still likely to field their strongest XI at the Etihad.

Man City supporters may recognise a few faces in the Salford setup on Saturday. Former Liverpool academy product Ben Woodburn is doubtful with injury, while ex-Everton defender Luke Garbutt will line up in defence. 35-year-old Wales international James Chester briefly played for Man Utd as a youngster before stints at Hull City and Aston Villa.

Salford predicted lineup vs Man City (3-5-2): Young; Edwards, Negru, Berkoe; Taylor, Fornah, Ashley, Lund, Garbutt; Kouassi, Stockton.

Man City have an excellent opportunity to not only progress to the fourth round but secure a third straight victory while resting key players. Salford are not to be underestimated, but Guardiola’s side should secure a handsome win on paper.

Man City’s defensive woes offer Robinson’s side the chance to get on the scoresheet at the Etihad, but it’s likely to be nothing more than a consolation as the hosts seek safe passage to the next round.

Prediction: Man City 4-1 Salford

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