Manchester City host Salford City in the FA Cup third round at the Etihad Stadium. It’s a game that could be considered a local derby, with just five miles separating their respective grounds.
By Matt Smith
This will be the first time the two teams have met in their history, with Salford only recently climbing up the football pyramid over the last few years. Ties like this are what the FA Cup is all about, as League Two Salford City prepare to take on the Premier League champions.
Oscar Bobb nearing a return
Pep Guardiola confirmed in his press conference before the game that Oscar Bobb is back training with the group after his long-term absence, but the Spanish manager hinted that this game could come too soon.
Ederson is now ‘fine’ after a recent leg problem, but John Stones remains unavailable for the Manchester club.
Savinho finding his feet
Man City are enduring a difficult season by their immense standards, with some of their key stars struggling to hit the heights expected of them. Guardiola’s side have looked blunt in attack at times, but Savinho has shown in recent weeks why he could quickly become a key player.
The Brazilian has been given a run of three starts in a row, providing four goal contributions in that time. With the likes of Jack Grealish and Jérémy Doku not pulling up any trees of late, Savinho may have cemented himself as a regular starter.
Four players ruled out for Salford
Kelly Nmai, Dan Chesters, Josh Austerfield and Frankie Okoronkwo will all be unavailable for the League Two side as they make the short trip to the Etihad Stadium on Saturday evening.
This will be Salford’s first game without Stephan Negru after the defender was re-called from his loan spell by Oxford United earlier this week. Finally, Ben Woodburn is a doubt for Karl Robinson’s side.
Cole Stockton the danger man
Cole Stockton has been a key player for Salford this season in attack, helping them in their push for promotion up to League One. The English striker has scored seven goals and provided two assists in just 16 League Two starts, while also finding the back of the net in the previous round of the FA Cup against Cheltenham Town.
Salford also carry a bit of a threat from left-back, with former Everton defender Luke Garbutt creating 34 chances in League Two this season, ranking him eighth in the division. The 31-year-old regularly takes set pieces for Robinson’s side, and that could be their best route to finding a goal against Man City.
Prediction
It’s difficult to see past a Man City win in this one. The Premier League side are at home, and despite a disappointing campaign in comparison to the last few years, they should have too much quality for League Two Salford.
Guardiola could rest some of his key stars, but we’re going for a comfortable 4-0 victory for the Citizens at the Etihad Stadium.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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