FA Cup fourth round lineups, stats, TV, stream, predictions and preview

Manchester City vs Salford City Preview

Manchester City welcome League Two side Salford City at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday afternoon for an FA Cup tie in the fourth round.

The sides met in the competition last season when Pep Guardiola’s side recorded an 8-0 home win over Amies in the third round.

City go into the weekend in strong domestic form after strengthening their position in the Premier League title race with back-to-back wins over Liverpool and Fulham, the latter winning 3-0 at the Etihad in midweek.

They currently sit four points behind leaders Arsenal with 12 league games remaining, while an EFL Cup final against the same opponents awaits them next month.

City have won their last 20 FA Cup games against non-Premier League sides, scoring 82 goals in that run. At home, they have won their last 11 such games by a combined score of 59-5.

While the hosts are unbeaten in six games in all competitions, Salford are also arriving in encouraging form of late, losing just twice in their last 13 games.

A 1-0 defeat at home to Chesterfield was followed by a 2-0 win away to Tranmere Rovers before they were beaten 1-0 at Accrington Stanley in their last game. The result left Carl Robinson’s side sixth in League Two, five points outside the automatic promotion places, although they have games in hand on those above them.

Manchester City vs Salford Squad News

Manchester City are without Josko Guardiola with a fractured tibia and Mateo Kovacic with an ankle and heel problem. Jeremy Doku and Savinho are nearing their returns but may not be ready to start just yet.

Erling Haaland was withdrawn at half-time against Fulham due to minor fitness concerns and is unlikely to be risked for this tie.

Omar Marmusch is expected to lead the charge, while James Trafford, Ryan Cherky, Tijani Reinders, Nico Gonzalez, Max Alleyne and Rico Lewis are candidates to step into the starting position. John Stones could also return from injury.

Salford City will be without long-term absentees Jay Bird and Tom Edwards. Ade Oluwo, Michael Rose and Kadeem Harris are progressing in their recoveries, while Haji Mnoga and Brandon Cooper will be assessed before kick-off.

Recent loan arrivals Prince Ehibhatiomkhan and Alfie Dorrington featured in the defeat at Accrington, and Dorrington could continue in the back line.

Ryan Graydon, who scored twice in the third round win over Swindon, is expected to start in attack alongside Cole Stockton or Daniel Udo. Fabio Borini is also in contention for participation.

Manchester City vs Salford City predicted lineups

Manchester City: Trafford; Lewis, Khusanov, Alain, Ake; Gonzalez; Makaidu, Reynders, Foden, Cherki; Marmush

Salford City: young; Turton, Dorrington, Garbutt; butcher; Longello, Grant, Woodburn, N’Mai; Graydon, Udoh

How to watch Man City vs Salford: TV channel, live stream online

Kick-off on Saturday is at 15:00 GMT (10:00 ET / 07:00 PT). This match is not being shown live in the UK.

Man City vs Salford City Stats

• Manchester City have won their last 20 FA Cup matches against non-Premier League opponents
• City scored 82 goals in that run
• The hosts have won their last 11 such home games by a combined score of 59-5
• Salford City are playing in the fourth round of the FA Cup for the first time
• Salford have lost all three of their previous competitive matches against Premier League clubs