Manchester City have won their last 18 FA Cup ties against lower-league teams.
Image credit: HOLLYWOOD MCFC
Manchester City hosts Championship side Plymouth Argyle in the FA Cup fifth round, aiming to advance to the quarter-finals.
The two teams last met in 1989, with City winning 2-0.
Manchester City’s Recent Form
After defeats to Real Madrid and Liverpool, City bounced back with a 1-0 win over Tottenham, courtesy of Erling Haaland’s early strike.
Guardiola’s men are still in contention for silverware despite trailing Liverpool in the league.
Having reached at least the FA Cup semi-finals in seven of the last eight seasons, City remains favorites to lift the trophy, especially with major rivals already eliminated.
Plymouth’s Dream Run
New head coach Miron Muslic has inspired Plymouth to shocking FA Cup wins over Brentford and Premier League leaders Liverpool.
However, their league form remains inconsistent, sitting just three points above the relegation zone.
Team News
Manchester City: Rodri, Akanji, and Stones are injured, while Oscar Bobb remains doubtful.
Guardiola may rotate, with Ortega, Lewis, Ake, and Grealish pushing for starts. New signing Claudio Echeverri could make his debut.
Plymouth Argyle: Tijani, Hardie, Galloway, and Edwards are ruled out, leaving them short on attacking options.
Bundu is likely to lead the line, supported by on-loan striker Michael Obafemi.
Predicted Lineups
Man City: Ortega; Lewis, Reis, Ake, O’Reilly; Gundogan, De Bruyne; Doku, Foden, Grealish; Marmoush.
Plymouth: Hazard; Talovierov, Katic, Pleguezuelo; Sorinola, Randell, Gyabi, Puchacz; Wright, Al Hajj; Bundu.
Prediction
Plymouth has already defied expectations but faces a tough challenge against City, who have won their last 18 FA Cup ties against lower-league teams, scoring 69 goals and conceding just nine.
While Plymouth will fight, City’s depth and quality should prove too much.
Prediction: Manchester City 4-0 Plymouth Argyle.