Manchester City vs Salford City Prediction
Manchester City has started to find some form with back-to-back league wins over Leicester City (2-0) and West Ham United (4-1). The team is likely to rotate their squad as they face Salford City, a lower-league opponent. Salford comes into this game with six straight wins but will face a tough challenge against the Premier League giants.
The hosts have scored first in four of their last five matches and have lost only two home games this season, against Tottenham Hotspur (0-4) and Manchester United (1-2). With their attacking strength and an average of two goals per game in the Premier League, Manchester City is expected to secure an easy win.
Prediction: Manchester City 3-0 Salford City
Manchester City vs Salford City Preview & Prediction
Manchester City begins their FA Cup campaign by hosting Salford City at the Etihad Stadium. The match carries strong local ties between the two Manchester-based teams.
- Date: January 11, 2025
- Location: Etihad Stadium, Manchester
- Kick-Off: 17:45
City has endured a tough season under Pep Guardiola, sitting sixth in the Premier League and two points outside the top four. They also face a crucial Champions League match against PSG soon. The FA Cup presents a chance for City to secure silverware in an otherwise disappointing season.
Manchester City has a solid FA Cup history, winning the tournament three times since 2011 and reaching the final five times. Their most memorable victory came in 2023 when they defeated Manchester United 2-1 to complete their treble-winning season.
Salford City, owned by the Class of 92, will approach this game with hope, seeking an upset. The team is third in League Two and has shown excellent form recently under manager Karl Robinson. With promotion within reach, Salford will view this match as an opportunity to showcase their progress.
Where to Watch
Fans can watch the match live on BBC One or through the BBC Sport app.
Starting Lineups
Predicted Manchester City Lineup: Ortega, Lewis, Simpson-Pusey, Gvardiol, Gundogan, O’Reilly, Nunes, Doku, Grealish, McAtee.
Predicted Salford City Lineup: Young, Shephard, Garbutt, Tilt, Ashley, Mnoga, Watson, Fornah, Berkoe, Stockton, Adelakun.
Form Guide
This will be the first-ever meeting between these two teams in any competition.
Manchester City has struggled this season, winning only once in 13 games during one poor stretch, including losses to Liverpool (2-0) and Manchester United (2-1). However, their recent wins against Leicester City and West Ham United indicate a return to form. They have scored first in four of their last five matches and have strong attacking depth.
Salford City has enjoyed an impressive run of form, winning their last six matches and keeping clean sheets in seven of their last eight games. Away from home, Salford has been solid, with just two losses in League Two this season. They have won their last three away games, scoring first in all six of their recent matches.
While Salford comes in with confidence, Manchester City’s quality and experience make them the clear favorites to advance in the FA Cup.
