This FA Cup third-round tie between Manchester City and Salford City will have the feel of a derby, with so many Old Trafford legends involved with the League Two club.
We've had an all-Manchester showdown in the last two FA Cup finals, with City coming out on top in 2023 before United got their revenge at Wembley last year.
Now those on the red side of the city will be hoping Salford, co-owned by United's ‘Class of 92', can spring a massive shock to pile on the misery for Pep Guardiola's side.
There's no doubt the Premier League champions are out of sorts this term and they're now rank outsiders for the title after falling 12 points behind leaders Liverpool, who also have a game in hand.
But Manchester City have been looking more like their old selves in recent weeks and head into this FA Cup tie boosted by back-to-back wins over Leicester City and West Ham, with two bets landing for me in that 4-1 rout of the Hammers.
While victories have been hard to come by for Guardiola's side in a bleak few months, the same can't be said for Salford. They've lost just once in their last 11 games and head to the Etihad off the back of six successive wins without conceding a single goal.
How the bookies view it: Minnows written off
Despite their fine form, Salford City are rank outsiders for this one at 33/1 with BoyleSports. Manchester City are just 1/25 for the win and even the draw is big at 14/1.
Head to head: First-time foes
With Salford only earning promotion to the EFL as recently as 2019, it's no great surprise that these sides have never faced off in a competitive game before.
Players to watch: Jack's the lad
Manchester City have a tough league game at Brentford just a few days after this cup tie so I'd imagine Guardiola will make a few changes. Jack Grealish only had a brief cameo off the bench against West Ham and could be unleashed here, with his creativity key to breaking down a packed defence.
The winger is 7/4 at BoyleSports to grab his first goal of the season while Bet365 make him the same price for an assist.
Cole Stockton has been in good form for Salford this season, with the striker netting nine times. He's 13/2 at BoyleSport to take that tally to double figures with a famous FA Cup strike.
Probable line-ups
Keeper Ederson and John Stones remain doubts for City while Ruben Dias, Rodri and Oscar Bobb remain out. Guardiola will probably give some of City's youngsters a chance to impress.
Striker Ben Woodburn missed Salford's last game after being injured against Harrogate and is unlikely to recover in time. Dan Chesters is out for the season.
Manchester City: Ortega, Lewis, Simpson-Pusey, Gvardiol, Kovacic, O’Reilly, Nunes, Doku, Grealish, McAtee.
Salford City: Young, Shephard, Garbutt, Tilt, Ashley, Mnoga, Watson, Fornah, Berkoe, Stockton, Adelakun.
Anything else catch the eye?
With Salford keeping clean sheets in their last six games, they are obviously well-drilled at the back. I fancy most goals to come after the break in this one, although the odds aren't great at 4/5 with BoyleSports.
The League Two side will probably set up to frustrate so going for City corners could be a smart move. Over 9.5 corners for Guardiola's men looks good at 6/4 with BoyleSports while City -3 in the first-half corner handicap also appeals at 11/10.
With this game having a derby feel we could see a few cards and I like the 7/4 on offer at Bet365 for Salford -1 in the card handicap.
This FA Cup match between Manchester City and Salford City will be played on Jan 11, 2025 and kick off at 17:45. Check below for our tipsters best Manchester City vs Salford City prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
