Manchester City begin their quest for FA Cup glory on Saturday afternoon as they welcome League One side Exeter City to the Etihad Stadium for a first-ever competitive meeting between the two clubs.
Pep Guardiola’s side enters the new year searching for their first victory of 2026 after a frustrating sequence of three consecutive Premier League draws against Sunderland, Chelsea, and Brighton. While the Grecians arrive in Manchester as massive underdogs, Gary Caldwell’s men carry momentum from a three-match unbeaten run and a dominant 4-0 victory over Wycombe Wanderers in the previous round. Facing a City side hampered by a significant defensive injury crisis, the visitors will hope to orchestrate one of the greatest shocks in the competition’s history.
Manchester City vs Exeter City – FA Cup Preview and Team News
- Date: Saturday, 10 January 2026
- Kick-off: 15:00 GMT
- Venue: Etihad Stadium, Manchester
- Referee: Adam Herczeg
- VAR: Not in operation
Team News
Manchester City
The Citizens are navigating a defensive emergency. Joško Gvardiol (tibial fracture) is likely out for the remainder of the season, and Rúben Dias (hamstring) is sidelined for up to six weeks. They join John Stones, Savinho, Oscar Bobb, and Mateo Kovačić in a crowded treatment room. Additionally, Omar Marmoush and Rayan Aït-Nouri are away on international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations. Guardiola is likely to utilise the club’s academy depth, with Max Alleyne, Stephen Mfuni, and Jaden Heskey all in contention for rare starts.
Exeter City
The Grecians remain without Johnly Yfeko, Josh Magennis, Ryan Rydel, and Danny Andrew due to ongoing injury issues. Defender Sil Swinkels is also unavailable after being recalled from his loan spell by Aston Villa. Captain Pierce Sweeney and Jake Doyle-Hayes are pushing for recalls to the starting lineup, while December’s Player of the Month, Ilmari Niskanen, is set to continue on the right wing.
Form
Manchester City
City have been historically ruthless against lower-league opposition, winning their last 19 FA Cup ties against teams from lower divisions while scoring 72 goals in that period. However, they enter this fixture on a rare streak of three successive draws in all competitions. Despite recent league wobbles, City remain strong at the Etihad this season, winning eight of their ten competitive home matches and averaging 2.6 goals per game.
Exeter City
Exeter have experienced a recent ascent, with a run of two wins and a draw, moving them to 14th in League One. They are currently three points clear of the relegation zone and arrive in Manchester with confidence following their 4-0 win in the previous round. Notably, striker Jayden Wareham is the danger man for the visitors, having netted 11 goals across all competitions this term.
Predicted Lineups
Manchester City predicted XI: Trafford; Lewis, Mfuni, Alleyne, Naylor; Gray, J. Heskey, Mukasa; McAidoo, Cherki, R. Heskey
Exeter City predicted XI: Whitworth; Niskanen, Sweeney, Crama, Yfeko; Woods, Doyle-Hayes, McMillan; Aitchison, Cox, Wareham
How to watch Manchester City vs Exeter City?
The match will not be broadcast live in the UK due to the traditional Saturday 3:00 PM blackout.
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