Published Jan 8, 4:06am ET by
Alex Dudley - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer
Last updated Jan 8, 4:06am ET
Credit: Shutterstock
Updated Jan 8, 4:06am ET
A tie that indicates exactly what the FA Cup is about will be staged at the Etihad Stadium on Jan 10, as Premier League heavyweights Man City host League One Exeter City. Find the odds and our picks here.
It has been a frustrating period for Pep Guardiola’s Man City, as they have lost ground on Arsenal in the race for the Premier League title after playing out three straight draws. However, City have reached at least the semi-final stage of the FA Cup in each of the last six seasons.
Exeter City will be the huge underdogs this weekend. The League One team have avoided defeat in their last three, but this is a significant step up in opposition.
|
|
|---|---|
| Man City | -2000 |
| The Draw | +1000 |
| Exeter | +1300 |
Pep Guardiola has cut a frustrated figure in recent weeks, as Man City have played out draws in their last three to hand the Premier League title advantage to Arsenal.
Last time out, City played out a 1-1 draw with Brighton, missing countless clear scoring chances. However, City’s home form remains one of their biggest strengths in 2025-26, scoring 2.45 goals per game, and keeping clean sheets in 45% of their fixtures.
Given that they will be up against lower league opposition this weekend, Guardiola is likely to give Haaland, Foden, and Rodri a rest.
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Exeter City will be the massive outsiders in the betting third weekend, as Gary Caldwell’s team bid to produce one of the greatest FA Cup shocks in history.
They come into this clash in reliable form after avoiding defeat in their last three. Exeter have already needed to navigate two rounds in the FA Cup this season, beating Wycombe Wanderers 4-0 in the previous round.
Last season, the team reached the fourth-round of the FA Cup for the first time since 1980-81. But, to repeat that feat on Saturday will take a heroic effort.
| TOTAL | Man City | Exeter | DRAWS | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Games | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Goals | 0 | 0 | 0 |
A first competitive meeting between these sides is set for Saturday. Despite likely resting their main stars for the clash, Man City will still have proven world-class players on the field this weekend. Therefore, the spread could offer the best area of value when making picks.
|
Pick
Man City (-3) (-127)
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