7M - Manchester City Hosts Salford City in FA Cup Showdown

On February 14, 2026, Manchester City will welcome Salford City to the Etihad Stadium for a high-stakes FA Cup fourth-round matchup. With a staggering seventy league places between the two Manchester clubs, this clash embodies a classic David vs. Goliath scenario that promises an exciting afternoon of football.

Pep Guardiola's Manchester City enters the tie as strong favorites. After a stunning 10-1 victory over Exeter City in the previous round and a recent 3-0 win over Fulham, City aims to continue their dominant form. However, with the unpredictable nature of the FA Cup, they must remain cautious.

Salford City, a League Two side owned by several Manchester United legends, is reveling in a historic run after defeating Swindon Town 3-2. Despite a setback from a 1-0 loss to Accrington Stanley last week, they sit sixth in the League Two playoff zone. The chance to face their illustrious neighbors is a momentous occasion, as reaching the fifth round would be a club record.

This fixture is crucial for Manchester City, especially after narrowly losing last year's FA Cup final to Crystal Palace. Determined to capture the trophy, Guardiola's men are in a tight Premier League title race. They may rotate the squad, but their depth ensures quality remains high.

City will miss key players, including top striker Erling Haaland due to injury. Guardiola confirmed, "Erling's not 100%. It's a precaution, as we want him fit for Newcastle." Other absentees include Josko Gvardiol, Mateo Kovacic, and Bernardo Silva. Omar Marmoush will lead the attack, supported by Phil Foden and Rayan Cherki.

Salford manager Neil Wood faces his own selection challenges, with several players unavailable. However, the squad has shown resolve throughout their cup campaign. Key players include veteran winger Fabio Borini, known for his knack for big-game performances.

This will not be their first FA Cup meeting; last season, City handed Salford an 8-0 defeat, a result that still stings. Yet, in cup football, hope prevails, and Salford will aim for redemption.

Predictors favor another comfortable win for City, with scoreline expectations ranging from 5-0 to 7-0. But the FA Cup often defies expectations, and Salford will seek to pull off a major upset.

Fans can catch the action via various platforms: ESPN Deportes and fuboTV in the U.S., Sportsnet in Canada, and Talksport 2 in the UK. Kickoff is at 10 a.m. ET (3 p.m. local) at the Etihad.

As the match approaches, the stakes are high: City's pursuit of silverware, Salford's historic opportunity, and the absence of star player Haaland. The scene is set for an unforgettable FA Cup clash, where anything can happen.