BRISTOL CITY head into this FA Cup tie in fine form after going 12 games unbeaten but it would still be a massive shock if they avoid defeat against Manchester City's superstars.
We've seen a few surprises already in this season's FA Cup with some top-flight clubs coming a cropper against teams from the lower leagues. Few people are expecting to see one at Ashton Gate, however, as City look to add to the nine trophies they have claimed since Guardiola took charge.
The Premier League champions have been far from their imperious best in recent weeks but followed up successive draws with Nottingham Forest and RB Leipzig by battering Bournemouth 4-1 on Saturday.
That kept them two points behind Arsenal in the title race but Manchester City now turn their attention back towards the FA Cup, having already knocked out the Gunners and Chelsea.
Bristol City's path to the last 16 has seen them dispose of fellow Championship sides Swansea and West Brom, with this clash presenting a big step up in class.
Nigel Pearson's men could hardly be in better form though with Saturday's 1-0 win over Hull stretching their unbeaten run and moving the Robins to within nine points of the play-off places.
How the bookies view it
Bristol City have been written off and SkyBet make them 8/1 to qualify, with the price increasing to 14/1 at SBK for a win inside 90 minutes. City's best price for a victory in normal time is 2/9 with the same firm while Bet365 make them 1/12 to reach the quarter-finals.
Head to head
These sides last faced off in the League Cup semi-final in 2018 and the Robins made Manchester City sweat before sealing a 5-3 aggregate win over two legs. The Premier League side also edged a 2-1 win at Ashton Gate in the same tournament back in 2007 and Bristol City's last win in this fixture came in the old First Division back 1979.
Players to watch
Nahki Wells has scored off the bench from Bristol City in his last two games so he will be disappointed if he doesn't get the nod here ahead of youngster Sam Bell. The 32-year-old is 5/1 at Bet365 to shock City with a goal.
Phil Foden hasn't been a regular of late for Manchester City but scored in an impressive display at Bournemouth on Saturday and that should earn him another start here. The winger is 21/10 at Bet365 for anytime scorer and that looks decent value.
Anything else catch the eye?
Man City found their shooting boots again at the weekend, frustrating our man Slips Tips after he had included under five goals in his bet builder. Bristol City haven't conceded more than once in their last eight matches but they haven't faced an attack as deadly as Guardiola's so I fancy a few more goals here. Manchester City are 4/6 at Betfred to score in each half while over 1.5 first-half goals is better value at 11/10 with Coral.
Guardiola's side are usually decent value in the corner markets and I like the evens on offer at Unibet for City -4 in the corner handicap as Bristol City could defend deep.
This FA Cup match between Bristol City and Manchester City will be played on Feb 28, 2023 and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best Bristol City vs Manchester City prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
