Prediction: Man City win
Best Odds: 1/5
Bookmaker: 888sport
We’re heading back into the fire of the FA Cup as we reach the latter stages of this season’s competition. There are 16 hungry teams ready and waiting to make a push for Wembley, but for now, the fifth round is what lies ahead. Today, we’re going to be taking a look at a classic David vs Goliath encounter as Championship side Bristol City play host to Manchester City later this week.
Bristol City
Ever since failing to reach the Premier League back in their 2008 play-off final, Bristol City haven’t really ‘challenged’ for promotion again in a serious manner. They tend to float around the midtable section of the Championship but after putting together a few nice performances as of late, the tide may be beginning to shift. In this instance, a victory here would be one of the finest in their recent history.
Team News
Cornick and Mehmeti are unavailable for this one with Conway, Naismith, Wilson, Atkinson and Benarous being injured.
Manchester City
Manchester City have always been very capable in the domestic cup competitions during the reign of Pep Guardiola. Now, in another season that could lead to the infamous treble, they’ll be as hungry as ever to get another big trophy win under their belt. They can’t afford to take their opponents lightly, though, especially when you consider some of the vulnerabilities they’ve had at the back this year.
Team News
Big changes are expected here, especially with de Bruyne, Laporte and Stones all being fitness doubts.
Factors to Consider
- Bristol City are 13th in the Championship whereas Man City are 2nd in the Premier League.
- Bristol City have won three and drawn three of their last six games.
- Man City have won three, drawn two and lost one of their last six games.
- Bristol City have scored eight goals and conceded three in their last six games.
- Man City have scored 12 goals and conceded six in their last six games.
Conclusion
As is so often the case with encounters like this, Bristol City are going to have an incredible atmosphere behind them at Ashton Gate. They’ll get their licks in and they may force a few good saves but sooner rather than later, Pep’s men will begin to take over. It isn’t going to be an embarrassment by any stretch of the imagination, but the visitors will still be the ones progressing through to the quarter-finals.
Prediction: Man City win
Best Odds: 1/5
Bookmaker: 888sport
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