At the Etihad Stadium on 14 February 2026, Manchester City host Salford City in an FA Cup tie that, on paper, presents a clear mismatch. City are expected to rotate heavily, yet the gap in quality between the Premier League giants and their League Two opponents remains substantial.
Manchester City showed no mercy in the previous round, dismantling Exeter 10-1 at home despite making changes. Squad depth allows Pep Guardiola to maintain high standards even when key starters are rested. A similar scenario is expected here, with rotation likely but dominance still inevitable.
Salford City visited the Etihad exactly a year ago in the same competition and suffered an 8-0 defeat. Although they have improved slightly this season, they remain a League Two side, and the structural difference in pace, technique, and tactical discipline is enormous. Extra preparation time may help them stay organised longer, but sustaining resistance for ninety minutes against City is a different challenge entirely.
Prediction: Correct Score 4-0
While Manchester City are capable of scoring far more, heavy rotation and game management may keep the scoreline controlled rather than explosive. A 4-0 result reflects City’s superiority while acknowledging that intensity may not match previous double-digit displays.
