FA Cup 2025/26: Manchester City vs Salford City Preview, Prediction, TV channels & Predicted Lineup
Premier League titans Manchester City (2nd) host League Two underdogs Salford City in a romantic FA Cup Fifth Round tie. This David vs. Goliath local derby pits global superstars against the "Class of '92" owned club.
Match Facts
This is a Fifth Round (Round of 16) single-elimination match. The winner secures a place in the Quarter-finals of the world’s oldest cup competition.
There are 66 league places between Manchester City and Salford City in the English football pyramid, making this the biggest mismatch of the round.
Manchester City has reached the semi-finals or better in six of the last seven seasons. Salford is making a historic run, reaching the Fifth Round for the first time.
With Champions League fixtures looming, Pep Guardiola is expected to field several "Elite Development Squad" (EDS) players alongside established veterans.
Salford City is famously owned by former Manchester United legends, adding an extra layer of "Red vs. Blue" rivalry to this cup tie.
Predicted Lineup
Manchester City (4-3-3): Ortega; Lewis, Khusanov, Akanji, O'Reilly; Wright, Nunes, McAtee; Bobb, Grealish, Semenyo.
Salford City (4-2-3-1): Jones; Edwards, Vassell, Negru, Garbutt; Watson, Forini; McAleny, Stockton, Adelakun; Kouassi.
Prediction of AI
While Salford City will bring a massive away following and plenty of heart, the technical chasm between these two squads is too great. Even a heavily rotated Manchester City side should control over 75% of possession and find multiple ways through the Salford defense.
Score Prediction: Manchester City 5 - 0 Salford City.
Kick Off Time?
Competition: FA Cup (Fifth Round)
Kick-off (GMT): 15:00, Saturday 14 February 2026
Stadium, location: Etihad Stadium, Manchester, England
How to Watch in the UK and US?
In the UK: This match is available via the BBC Red Button and streaming on BBC iPlayer.
In the US: Exclusively available to stream live on ESPN+.
TV Channel and Live Stream: You can also follow Xscore808 live updates for other countries.
