Salford City will be fearing the worst when they go to the Etihad Stadium to face Manchester City yet again in the FA Cup. Indeed, this fixture was replicated only in January last year, where City ran out 8-0 winners.
The Cityzens also demolished lower-league opposition in the third round this season, thrashing Exeter City 10-1. Salford beat Swindon Town 3-2 on home soil, setting up this tie at the Etihad on Saturday afternoon.
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Manchester City vs Salford prediction: City to stroll into round five?
Key stats
- City are unbeaten in six games in all competitions, winning five.
- Salford have lost two of their last three matches.
- Both of those defeats also saw Salford fail to score.
Correct score prediction: Manchester City 4-0 Salford
City should win this comfortably, it is just a matter of how big the margin will be. Given they will be expected to rotate heavily ahead of a busy end to the season, we are not expecting another huge thrashing, but still plenty of goals.
Pre-game odds and win probability: City seismic favourites with bookmakers
- HOME: 1/25 (1.04) – 96.2%
- DRAW: 18/1 (19.00) – 5.3%
- AWAY: 40/1 (41.00) – 2.4%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
As shown by the implied probabilities, City are unsurprisingly the huge favourites with bookmakers to win and progress to the next round. Both a draw and a Salford win in normal time are deemed highly unlikely at under 6% each.
Also, feel free to check out our dedicated Today’s betting tips page for more of our expert FA Cup predictions.
Most recent H2Hs: Only one previous meeting…
Last year's FA Cup showdown was the only previous meeting between the two sides. Of course, City thrashed Salford 8-0, and the visitors will be hoping history does not repeat itself.
England FA Cup 11/01/25
Man City
Salford City
Manchester City preview: Haaland a doubt
Erling Haaland is a doubt after coming off at half-time against Fulham with “niggles”. Other players like Josko Gvardiol are still on the sidelines.
Predicted lineup: Trafford (GK); Lewis, Khusanov, Alleyne, Ake; Gonzalez; McAidoo, Reijnders, Foden, Cherki & Marmoush
Last five results:
- 11/02/26: Manchester City 3-0 Fulham (Premier League)
- 08/02/26: Liverpool 1-2 Manchester City (Premier League)
- 04/02/26: Manchester City 3-1 Newcastle (Carabao Cup)
- 01/02/26: Tottenham 2-2 Manchester City (Premier League)
- 28/01/26: Manchester City 2-0 Galatasaray (Champions League)
Salford preview: Mnoga and Cooper to be assessed
Haji Mnoga and Brandon Cooper needs to be assessed on his fitness before kick-off. Jay Bird, Tom Edwards, Ade Oluwo, Michael Rose and Kadeem Harris are all expected to miss out.
Predicted lineup: Young (GK); Turton, Dorrington, Garbutt; Butcher; Longelo, Grant, Woodburn, N'Mai; Graydon & Udoh
Last five results:
- 05/02/26: Accrington 1-0 Salford (League Two)
- 31/01/26: Tranmere 0-2 Salford (League Two)
- 27/01/26: Salford 0-1 Chesterfield (League Two)
- 24/01/26: Salford 1-0 Bristol Rovers (League Two)
- 20/01/26: Salford 3-2 Swindon (FA Cup)
Player to watch: Rayan Cherki
Rayan Cherki could be given a start to continue to build up his fitness after injury. He produced two assists in the 10-1 romp of Exeter in the third round in January, and has scored four goals in City colours since then.