Manchester City vs Salford City – FA Cup 2026 Showdown
The FA Cup fourth round brings an intriguing local clash as Manchester City welcome League Two side Salford City to the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, February 14.
After last season’s dominant 8–0 victory over Salford in the same competition, Pep Guardiola’s men are strong favourites again. However, the visitors arrive with fresh ambition, a historic fourth-round appearance, and a bold rebranding strategy that aims to redefine their identity in English football.
Match Details: Man City vs Salford City
- Location: Manchester, England
- Stadium: Etihad Stadium
- Date: Saturday, Feb. 14
- Kick-off Time:
- 3:00 p.m. GMT
- 10:00 a.m. ET
- 7:00 a.m. PT
- Referee: Matt Donohue
Head-to-Head Record
| Category | Record |
|---|---|
| Man City Wins | 1 |
| Salford Wins | 0 |
| Draws | 0 |
| Last Meeting | Man City 8–0 Salford (FA Cup, Jan. 11, 2025) |
Manchester City’s emphatic win last season underlined the gulf between Premier League contenders and League Two opposition. But cup competitions are unpredictable, and Salford will aim to improve upon that humbling defeat.
Current Form Guide (All Competitions)
Manchester City (WWWDW)
- Man City 3–0 Fulham
- Liverpool 1–2 Man City
- Man City 3–1 Newcastle
- Tottenham 2–2 Man City
- Man City 2–0 Galatasaray
City have enjoyed a strong run, highlighted by a dramatic victory at Anfield and a commanding 3–0 win over Fulham. Arsenal’s recent slip has brought Guardiola’s side within four points of the Premier League summit.
Salford City (LLWLW)
- Accrington Stanley 1–0 Salford
- Tranmere 0–2 Salford
- Salford 0–1 Chesterfield
- Salford 1–0 Bristol Rovers
- Salford 3–2 Swindon
Salford’s 3–2 win over Swindon secured their place in the fourth round for the first time in club history. Despite a narrow league defeat to Accrington, they remain in the League Two playoff zone.
Team News: Injuries & Suspensions
Manchester City
Out:
- Joško Gvardiol
- Mateo Kovačić
- Jérémy Doku
- Savinho
Doubtful:
- Erling Haaland
City may rotate heavily, but even a second-string XI boasts enormous quality.
Salford City
Manager Karl Robinson will rely on experienced players such as:
- Fabio Borini
- Cole Stockton
- Matt Butcher
- Ossama Ashley
The League Two outfit will need discipline and defensive resilience to avoid another heavy defeat.
Managers’ Tactical Battle
Pep Guardiola – Manchester City
Pep Guardiola continues to chase silverware on multiple fronts. Having finished as FA Cup runners-up last season, Guardiola will want a comfortable passage to the fifth round. Expect heavy possession, positional rotations, and attacking fluidity.
City’s depth means players like Matheus Nunes, Rúben Dias, and Rodri could anchor the side, even if key attackers are rested.
Karl Robinson – Salford City
Robinson faces a daunting challenge. Salford conceded 8 goals here last year, and after seeing City put 10 past Exeter in the previous round, defensive organization will be critical. Salford may deploy a low block and look for counterattacking opportunities.
Where to Watch Man City vs Salford City
United Kingdom
- No live TV broadcast
- Radio coverage via TalkSport 2
United States
- ESPN Deportes
- ESPN Select
- fuboTV
- ESPN App
Canada
- Sportsnet One
- Sportsnet Plus
Mexico
- TNT Sports
- Max Mexico
- TNT Go
US viewers can stream live on ESPN+ platforms starting at 9:30 a.m. ET.
Salford City’s Bold Rebrand: Orange and Black Return
Salford City’s long-term ambitions extend beyond results on the pitch. The club has announced a return to its traditional orange-and-black colors starting in the 2026–27 season.
Originally rebranded in red, white, and black following the 2014 takeover by members of Manchester United’s “Class of ’92,” the decision was controversial among supporters.
The ownership group includes:
- Gary Neville
- David Beckham
- Paul Scholes
- Ryan Giggs
- Nicky Butt
- Phil Neville
A fan vote saw 77.1% approve the return to orange-and-black, while 72% supported a new badge redesign. The rebrand aims to create a unique identity separate from Manchester United.
Inspired partly by Beckham’s success with Inter Miami CF, Salford hopes orange becomes instantly recognizable worldwide.
“Best Small Club in the World by 2030”
Salford CEO Gavin Fleig has outlined an ambitious target:
“By 2030, we want to become the best small club in the world.”
The club earned four promotions in five years to reach EFL status in 2019 and remains in playoff contention this season. Their strategy includes:
- Strong academy development
- Women’s team investment
- Commercial expansion
- Stadium modernization
This FA Cup tie offers a global spotlight moment that aligns perfectly with their rebranding vision.
Tactical Preview & Score Prediction
Manchester City are overwhelming favourites. Even with rotation and injuries, their squad depth should be too much for a League Two side.
Salford’s best hope lies in:
- Compact defensive shape
- Set-piece efficiency
- Early discipline
However, City’s recent form and attacking power suggest another comfortable win.
Final Thoughts
Saturday’s clash at the Etihad is more than just a cup tie. For Manchester City, it’s a routine step toward another trophy. For Salford City, it’s a statement opportunity — both competitively and commercially.
While the gap between the sides remains significant, Salford’s long-term vision and bold rebrand could make them one of English football’s most fascinating growth stories over the next five years.
Whether it ends in another rout or a respectable performance, the spotlight will shine brightly on Salford once again.