Prediction: Swindon vs Manchester City

Prediction: Man City win

Best Odds: 1/18

Bookmaker: 888sport

The FA Cup third round is finally upon us with this weekend’s set of fixtures offering up the chance for some major surprises. There are clubs up and down the draw who are going to be fancying their chances at reaching the fourth round, and there are also some David vs Goliath encounters to get excited about. One such example of that will take place at the County Ground when League Two’s Swindon Town battle Manchester City.

Swindon

After years of flip-flopping between the third and fourth tier of English football, Swindon Town are once again in the promotion hunt in League Two. They’ve experienced a string of issues both behind the scenes and on the pitch in recent years but as we look ahead to the future, it seems as if the club’s fanbase believes that brighter times could be ahead – and putting in a good performance here could really help them with that.

Team News

Baudry is the only confirmed injury absence for the hosts with Crichlow being a fitness doubt. Conroy is serving a suspension in the league but should appear here in the cup.

Manchester City

Manchester City are the domestic kings of England and have been for quite some time. Pep Guardiola believes in his side giving 100% whenever they head out onto the pitch and this isn’t likely to be any different, even if many of us want to believe an upset could be on the cards. A weakened team is expected, but that doesn’t mean City are going to take it easy on the minnows.

Team News

Mahrez is away with Algeria at the Africa Cup of Nations with the following players being listed as doubtful: Zinchenko, Walker, Stones and Foden.

Factors to Consider

• Swindon are 5th in League Two whereas Man City are 1st in the Premier League.
• Swindon have won two, drawn one and lost three of their last six games.
• Man City have won their last six games in all competitions.
• Swindon have scored nine goals and conceded 11 in their last six games.
• Man City have scored 21 goals and conceded four in their last six games.

Conclusion

While there may be three divisions that separate these two clubs, that doesn’t mean we can’t get a competitive game out of the tie. Swindon are going to go down swinging as best as they can, meanwhile City won’t want to stretch their necks when they’ve got so many other things to think about. The visitors will come away with a win, probably alongside a scoreline of 4-1 or 5-1, but Swindon will give it their all.

Prediction: Man City win

Best Odds: 1/18

Bookmaker: 888sport