Line-ups, stats, TV, stream, prediction and preview in FA Cup fourth round

Manchester City v Salford City preview

Manchester City welcome League Two side Salford City to the Etihad Stadium on Saturday afternoon for an FA Cup fourth-round tie.

The sides met in the competition last season, when Pep Guardiola’s team recorded an 8-0 home win over the Ammies in the third round.

City come into the weekend in strong domestic form, having strengthened their position in the Premier League title race with consecutive wins over Liverpool and Fulham, the latter a 3-0 victory at the Etihad in midweek.

They currently sit four points behind leaders Arsenal with 12 league matches remaining, while an EFL Cup final against the same opponents awaits next month.

City have won their last 20 FA Cup matches against sides from outside the Premier League, scoring 82 goals in that run. At home, they have taken victory in their last 11 such fixtures by a combined score of 59-5.

While the hosts are unbeaten in six matches across all competitions, Salford also arrive with encouraging recent form, losing only twice in their last 13 games.

A 1-0 defeat at home to Chesterfield was followed by a 2-0 win away to Tranmere Rovers, before they were beaten 1-0 at Accrington Stanley in their most recent outing. The result left Karl Robinson’s side sixth in League Two, five points outside the automatic promotion places, although they hold games in hand on those above them.

Manchester City v Salford team news

Manchester City remain without Josko Gvardiol due to a tibial fracture and Mateo Kovacic with an ankle and heel issue. Jeremy Doku and Savinho are closing in on returns but may not yet be ready to start.

Erling Haaland was withdrawn at half-time against Fulham with minor fitness concerns and is unlikely to be risked for this tie.

Omar Marmoush is expected to lead the attack, while James Trafford, Rayan Cherki, Tijjani Reijnders, Nico Gonzalez, Max Alleyne and Rico Lewis are all candidates to come into the starting side. John Stones could also return after injury.

Salford City will be without long-term absentees Jay Bird and Tom Edwards. Ade Oluwo, Michael Rose and Kadeem Harris are progressing in their recoveries, while Haji Mnoga and Brandon Cooper will be assessed before kickoff.

Recent loan arrivals Prince Ehibhatiomhan and Alfie Dorrington both featured in the defeat to Accrington, and Dorrington may continue in the back line.

Ryan Graydon, who scored twice in the third-round victory over Swindon, is expected to start in attack alongside either Cole Stockton or Daniel Udoh. Fabio Borini is also in contention for involvement.

Manchester City v Salford City predicted line ups

Manchester City: Trafford; Lewis, Khusanov, Alleyne, Ake; Gonzalez; McAidoo, Reijnders, Foden, Cherki; Marmoush

Salford City: Young; Turton, Dorrington, Garbutt; Butcher; Longelo, Grant, Woodburn, N’Mai; Graydon, Udoh