Match Overview

Manchester City welcome Exeter City to the Etihad Stadium for this FA Cup clash, and the gap in quality between the two sides could hardly be wider.

Pep Guardiola’s City are competing on multiple fronts this season, while Exeter arrive knowing this is a rare showcase moment against one of Europe’s elite teams.

City are unbeaten in their last 12 home matches in all competitions, scoring freely and controlling games with ease. Exeter, meanwhile, are fighting for consistency in League One and will likely prioritize damage limitation.

Team News

Manchester City are expected to rotate, but their second-string XI is still packed with international talent.

Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland could be rested, while Phil Foden, and Mateo Kovačić are likely to start.

Exeter City are close to full strength but lack top-flight experience. Their focus will be on defensive shape and counterattacks.

Key Stats –

Manchester City have scored 47 goals in 18 home matches this season –

City average 2.6 goals per game across all competitions –

Exeter have conceded 21 goals in 12 away matches –

City have kept 9 clean sheets in their last 15 home games –

Exeter have won just 2 of their last 10 away matches

Head-to-Head

These sides last met in the FA Cup in 2011, with Manchester City winning comfortably. Historically, City have won all previous competitive meetings against Exeter.

Tactical Analysis

City will dominate possession, often exceeding 65%, and overload the wide areas.

Exeter are expected to sit deep in a low block, attempting to frustrate and limit space between the lines.

Prediction

Predicted Score: Manchester City 4–0 Exeter City Best Bet: Manchester City to win & over 3.5 goals