Published Feb 12, 4:02am ET by
Alex Dudley - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer
Last updated Feb 12, 4:02am ET
Credit: Shutterstock
Updated Feb 12, 4:02am ET
An FA Cup classic of David vs. Goliath is set for the Etihad Stadium on Feb 14, as Premier League-chasing Man City host League Two Salford City.
Man City’s form has picked up in recent weeks, scoring three in a pulsating first-half against Fulham in midweek. Pep Guardiola has led City to at least the semi-final stage in the FA Cup in the last seven campaigns.
Salford City will have the daunting prospect of trying to stop City on Saturday. The League Two club, owned by Man United legends David Beckham, Gary Neville, and Paul Scholes, were beaten 8-0 at the Etihad last season.
|
|
|---|---|
| Man City | +215 |
| The Draw | +220 |
| Salford | +101 |
Guardiola has cut a frustrated figure on the sidelines on countless occasions already this season, but it is worth remembering that they are still competing for honors in four major competitions.
City have looked back to their attacking best in recent weeks, winning three of their last four, and losing just once in their last 14 in the Premier League. City’s attacking dominance against lower league opposition was evident in the previous round, recording a huge 10-1 win over Exeter City.
Guardiola’s side have already recorded three wins against teams from outside the Premier League in cup competition this term, scoring 15 goals and conceding just twice.
ALSO SEE: Daytona 500 Picks, Odds, and Preview (Feb 15)
The FA Cup will be a low priority for Karl Robinson and this Salford City team in 2025-26, as the squad will have ambitions of promotion to League One.
Salford have shown consistent form throughout the season, and they have lost twice in their last 12. However, it would be a slight concern that both losses have come in their last three games.
They have been reliable on the road in League Two, winning 53% of their fixtures and scoring an impressive 1.33 goals per game. But, this is a significant step up in opposition.
| TOTAL | Man City | Salford | DRAWS | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Games | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Goals | 8 | 8 | 0 |
This should be a big-scoring win for Man City on Saturday. Guardiola’s side smashed eight past Salford last season, and their home dominance this term has seen them win ten of their 13 at the Etihad. The only area of value for bettors will come in the form of the spread.
|
Pick
Man City (-3.5)
|
New Player Bonus
50% up to $1000
|
