Manchester City will be the clear favorites when they face Plymouth Argyle in the FA Cup, as Pep Guardiola’s side looks to book a spot in the quarter-finals. The Premier League champions will aim for a dominant performance, while the Championship club will be hoping for another giant-killing moment after knocking out Liverpool in the previous round.
Manchester City Eyeing a Comfortable Win
The home side has not been at their best in recent weeks, winning just three of their last six matches in all competitions. However, their 1-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur earlier this week gave them a much-needed boost.
With their Premier League title race getting tougher, a convincing win in the FA Cup could lift the team’s morale. Pep Guardiola will likely rotate his squad but still expect a strong performance from his players.
Can Plymouth Argyle Pull Off Another FA Cup Shock?
Plymouth Argyle have struggled for form, failing to win any of their last three matches across all competitions. However, they stunned Liverpool in the previous round, proving they are capable of causing upsets.
Although they will be massive underdogs at the Etihad, the visitors will take confidence from their FA Cup journey so far. They will need a resilient defensive display and clinical finishing to stand any chance against Manchester City.
Team News & Predicted Lineups
Manchester City Team News & Predicted XI
Manchester City will be without Rodri due to his long-term knee injury, while Manuel Akanji, John Stones, and Oscar Bobb are also sidelined.
Guardiola is expected to field a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Stefan Ortega starting in goal. Matheus Nunes and Nathan Ake will operate as full-backs, while Vitor Reis and Abdukodir Khusanov form the central defensive pairing.
In midfield, Nico Gonzalez and Ilkay Gundogan will look to control possession, while James McAtee is set to play in an advanced role, creating chances for the attack.
Omar Marmoush and Savinho will provide width on the flanks, while Erling Haaland will spearhead the attack.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1):
Ortega; Nunes, Reis, Khusanov, Ake; Gonzalez, Gundogan; Savinho, McAtee, Marmoush; Haaland
Plymouth Argyle Team News & Predicted XI
The visitors will be without Joe Edwards and Brendan Galloway, while Muhamed Tijani and Ryan Hardie remain sidelined with hamstring injuries.
Plymouth are expected to set up in a 3-4-2-1 formation, aiming to stay compact at the back and look for counter-attacking opportunities.
Conor Hazard will start in goal, with Julio Pleguezuelo, Nikola Katic, and Maksym Talovyerov forming a three-man defense. Matthew Sorinola and Tymoteusz Puchacz will operate as wing-backs, offering width while providing defensive support.
Adam Randell and Jordan Houghton will protect the defense, while Callum Wright and Rami Al Hajj will play in attacking midfield roles behind lone striker Mustapha Bundu.
Probable Lineup (3-4-2-1):
Hazard; Pleguezuelo, Katic, Talovyerov; Sorinola, Randell, Houghton, Puchacz; Wright, Al Hajj; Bundu
Key Stats
- Plymouth Argyle have won three of their last six matches in all competitions.
- Manchester City have picked up three wins from their last six outings.
- Plymouth Argyle have conceded in five of their last six matches.
- Manchester City have conceded in four of their last six fixtures.
- Kevin De Bruyne has been involved in 26 FA Cup goals (9 goals, 17 assists) since his debut in the competition in January 2016—the most by any player in that period.
Player to Watch – Erling Haaland
The Norwegian striker remains one of the most lethal forwards in world football. With Plymouth Argyle struggling defensively in recent games, Erling Haaland will be looking to capitalize on any weaknesses and add to his goal tally.
If City dominates possession as expected, Haaland should get multiple chances to score, making him the key player to watch in this encounter.
Man City vs Plymouth Argyle Prediction
Manchester City 3-0 Plymouth Argyle
While Plymouth Argyle have shown they can cause an upset, facing Manchester City at the Etihad is a different challenge altogether. Guardiola’s men should have too much firepower and quality for the visitors, securing a comfortable win and progressing to the FA Cup quarter-finals.
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