Manchester City vs Salford City LIVE: FA Cup result and reaction as hosts smash eight past outmatched visitors

Manchester City thrashed Salford City 8-0 in the FA Cup third round as they continue to look like they’ve put their unprecedented run of bad form behind them.

Pep Guardiola’s team have now won their last three matches, having previously suffered a run of just one win in thirteen games which saw them fall to sixth in the league.

League Two high-flyers Salford were hardly the toughest of foes but a much-changed home side still impressively smashed eight goals past them, with a hat-trick for James McAtee joined by two from the hugely impressive Jeremy Doku and one apiece from Nico O’Reilly, Jack Grealish and young striker Divin Mubama – who started up front to give Erling Haaland a rest.

Relive all the action from the Etihad Stadium below:

Manchester City vs Salford City LIVE

• Manchester City hammer Salford City 8-0 in the FA Cup third round

• James McAtee nets a hat-trick as the League Two promotion chasers are brushed aside

• 81’ - GOAL! McAtee gets his hat-trick late on (MNC 8-0 SAL)

• 72’ - GOAL! McAtee scores again as hosts run riot (MNC 7-0 SAL)

• 69’ - GOAL! Doku adds number six from the penalty spot (MNC 6-0 SAL)

• 62’ - GOAL! McAtee finishes after another brilliant ball from Doku (MNC 5-0 SAL)

• 49’ - GOAL! Grealish makes it four from the spot (MCI 4-0 SAL)

• 44’ - GOAL! O’Reilly fires into the corner from Doku assist (MCI 3-0 SAL)

• 20' - GOAL! Mubama taps in after good work from Savinho (MCI 2-0 SAL)

• 8’ - GOAL! Doku finds bottom corner with early finish (MCI 1-0 SAL)

Manchester City FC 8 - 0 Salford City FC

Jack Grealish has a weight lifted as Man City show some of the old ruthless spark

20:13 , Chris Wilson

Jack Grealish needed that. It is not how he imagined his 13-month Manchester City goal drought would end – a penalty in an 8-0 FA Cupwin over fourth-tier Salford City in a non-contest where a burgeoning youngster, James McAtee, netted a hat-trick – but a weight has been lifted off his shoulders nonetheless.

Despite Pep Guardiola making an uncharacteristic number of changes to his starting XI, City showed zero mercy, as they often do against lower-ranked opponents in cup competitions, with Grealish the beating heart of the champions’ attempts to rediscover their unrelenting streak that has helped them dominate English football for so long.

That is now 25 wins in a row for the champions against lower-ranked sides since they were burned in defeat to Wigan in the Callum McManaman FA Cup final shock to the system, with the aggregate scoreline now reading 96-8 in that time.

Jack Grealish has a weight lifted as Man City show some of the old ruthless spark

Robinson: “It’s about dusting ourselves off"

20:23 , Chris Wilson

Here’s what Salford boss Karl Robinson had to say after the win:

“You always know you’re at the mercy of the quality of the competition. Man City and Pep have never disrespected anybody and tonight they showed us why they are what they are and why he is who he is.

“It’s about dusting ourselves off, we’ve come on so much in 12 months and to be where we are in the league. We have one goal and that is to get out of this league. This is a glimmer of what we want to be and we know we’ve got so much to improve and we know where we want to be.

“I said to the players I would have taken eight goals conceded in seven games, I just didn’t expect them to all come in one. We’re proud of them, I really am. They never let me down.

“We make human error but that’s part of the level we’re at. Some of the things we weren’t so good at, we’ll make sure we’re better. We’ll learn because of today,” he added.

“For me, it’s not a case of me trying to pick them up or have a go at them. You take it in the chin. You hope for these glamour ties and we managed to get it. This was never a game we would look at and use as a disappointment moving forward. We make sure we plan properly for our next game.”

FT: Manchester City 8-0 Salford City

20:02 , Chris Wilson

Alan Shearer has been full of praise for Grealish in the post-match analysis.

“I thought Jack Grealish did everything that he could have done. He has had a tough time and Pep has called him out,” he said.

“Pep has put him back in the team, it will have been a kick up the backside and you’ve got to go out and show a reaction and he has done that.

“He has been getting criticism and the goal will give him a bit of belief - you will be amazed with what a goal does for you.”

McAtee: “It’s a good moment for me"

19:50 , Chris Wilson

In his post-match interview, James McAtee tells BBC Sport that he “was quite frustrated in the first half, wasn’t seeing much of the ball”.

“When the first one went in, my confidence was up and I kept scoring.

“I’ve been here since I was 10 and it’s a special moment for me. Something I’ll remember forever. I don’t think I needed to prove myself but to get out there and show people what I can do, it’s a good moment for me.”

FT: Manchester City 8-0 Salford City

19:45 , Chris Wilson

Here’s the hat-trick goal for McAtee!

FT: Manchester City 8-0 Salford City

19:41 , Chris Wilson

FULL-TIME! Manchester City 8-0 Salford City

19:37 , Chris Wilson

The referee brings the game to an end and City take an 8-0 win and a place in round four.

Manchester City 8-0 Salford City

19:37 , Chris Wilson

90 mins

So close to a ninth with the final kick of the game as Gundogan is there to try and convert from a cutback from point-blank range, but Young makes a great save.

Manchester City 8-0 Salford City

19:34 , Chris Wilson

86 mins

The best chance of the game for Salford as Adelakun threads through a lovely ball to McAleny, who is clean through but can only force a good save from Ederson at his near post.

From the corner, the half-volley ends up hitting the side-netting too.

Salford make another change as 16-year-old Will Wright comes on for Adelakun.

Manchester City 8-0 Salford City

19:30 , Chris Wilson

85 mins

Half a chance for a ninth as Gundogan drives into the box, but Tilt is there to poke it away.

GOAL! Manchester City 8-0 Salford City

19:28 , Chris Wilson

81 mins

GOAL! McAtee has a hat-trick!

City are toying with them now, as the ball comes to Grealish on the edge of the box. He takes a few steps in and bides his time before squaring a perfect ball to McAtee, who simply has to take a stride forward to poke into the back of the net.

Manchester City 7-0 Salford City

19:23 , Chris Wilson

77 mins

Salford win it deep into the City half and it runs to Stockton, who decides to take the shot early and almost catches Ederson out at his near post.

Manchester City 7-0 Salford City

19:21 , Chris Wilson

74 mins

Some subs have been made by both sides, with City bringing on Kovacic for Doku. Salford brought on Cole Stockton and Conor McAleny for Lund and Kouassi.

GOAL! Manchester City 7-0 Salford City

19:18 , Chris Wilson

72 mins

GOAL! It’s seven!

Right away, City are back on the attack. Doku cuts it back to Foden, who fires in a mis-hit shot that McAtee intercepts before slipping a low finish past Young.

GOAL! Manchester City 6-0 Salford City

19:15 , Chris Wilson

69 mins

GOAL! Doku steps up and side foots it low into the corner, with Young diving the wrong way.

PENALTY! Manchester City 5-0 Salford City

19:15 , Chris Wilson

68 mins

Another penalty to City! It all comes from good play from Foden, who releases Doku into acres of space. The Belgian tries to curl in an the defender blocks with his hand.

Manchester City 5-0 Salford City

19:12 , Chris Wilson

67 mins

Another good combination in and around the box from City but Foden has it nicked off his foot just as he was about to shoot.

From the corner, it comes back to McAtee, who rifles over a half-volley.

Manchester City 5-0 Salford City

19:10 , Chris Wilson

64 mins

More good play from City as Grealish plays a clever pass into the path of McAtee, but his cross is blocked.

GOAL! Manchester City 5-0 Salford City

19:08 , Chris Wilson

62 mins

GOAL! It’s five.

City go from pedestrian to 100mph with one pass as Nunes sees the run in-behind from Doku. He releases him down the right and the Belgian gets free before fizzing in a low cross that is converted by James McAtee!

Manchester City 4-0 Salford City

19:06 , Chris Wilson

59 mins

Now Salford captain Tilt goes into the book after sliding in late on Mubama.

Manchester City 4-0 Salford City

19:04 , Chris Wilson

57 mins

Salford make some changes now, as Mnoga and Ashley come off for Taylor and Watson.

Manchester City 4-0 Salford City

19:01 , Chris Wilson

53 mins

Salford have managed to enjoy a little bit more joy in attacking areas in the last few minutes, but they haven’t managed to fashion a chance.

It doesn’t get any easier for them though, as Phil Foden replaces Savinho for City.

Manchester City 4-0 Salford City

18:58 , Chris Wilson

52 mins

Some good play from Salford on the edge of the City box before Tilt sweeps it wide to Adelakun, but the forward curls an effort well wide.

GOAL! Manchester City 4-0 Salford City

18:55 , Chris Wilson

49 mins

GOAL! Grealish steps up to take, and simply whips it into the bottom left-hand corner, sending the ‘keeper the wrong way.

PENALTY! Manchester City 3-0 Salford City

18:54 , Chris Wilson

48 mins

PENALTY TO MAN CITY! Tilt has the ball on the edge of his box and sells the ‘keeper short with a pass. Mubama gets there first but cant take the shot, and he cuts it back to Grealish. However, before he can take the shot, he’s scythed down.

KICK-OFF! Manchester City 3-0 Salford City

18:51 , Chris Wilson

The visitors get the second half started. City have made a change, with Manuel Akanji replacing Nathan Ake.

HALF-TIME! Manchester City 3-0 Salford City

18:50 , Chris Wilson

The team are re-emerging from the tunnel at the Etihad.

HALF-TIME! Manchester City 3-0 Salford City

18:45 , Chris Wilson

Not a lot to take from that half for either side in terms of conclusions, but the visitors have shown flashes of good play, even if it’ll be too late now.

The hosts will be happy to have wrapped the match up, but we still have 45 minutes to play at the Etihad.

HALF-TIME! Manchester City 3-0 Salford City

18:39 , Chris Wilson

HALF-TIME! Manchester City 3-0 Salford City

18:34 , Chris Wilson

The referee brings the first half to an end, and this Manchester derby is only going one way.

An accomplished half from a young City side, and good performances from several players, especially Doku and Savinho.

Manchester City 3-0 Salford City

18:33 , Chris Wilson

47 mins

Mubama finds himself clean through again but once again he is offside. That one was very close, after more good work from Doku.

Manchester City 3-0 Salford City

18:32 , Chris Wilson

45 mins

There’ll be three minutes of added time here as a through ball to Mubama is slightly overhit.

GOAL! Manchester City 3-0 Salford City

18:31 , Chris Wilson

43 mins

GOAL! Another youngster gets on the scoresheet!

It’s simple too, as O’Reilly plays it wide to Doku, who bursts into the box before playing the cutback for the one-two. It comes back to O’Reilly about seven yards out, and he finds the corner after sweeping a shot across Young in goal.

Manchester City 2-0 Salford City

18:29 , Chris Wilson

41 mins

Maybe a chance to come from this as Gundogan and Grealish combine to bring down Lund. It’s not really within shooting distance, so Garbutt plays it short to Adelakun. He clips a lovely ball into the area just in front of the ‘keeper, and Kouassi is there to latch onto it, but his touch goes wrong and he can’t tap in from point-blank range!

Manchester City 2-0 Salford City

18:25 , Chris Wilson

38 mins

The chance for a Salford counter goes begging as the pass is loose, and City pick up possession again. The hosts are doing plenty of probing on the edge of the box, but it’s all a bit pedestrian at the moment. Not that they need a goal anytime soon.

The attack ends with Savinho curling an effort over from distance.

Manchester City 2-0 Salford City

18:22 , Chris Wilson

35 mins

Brilliant work from Kouassi, who cuts in and manages to skip past two or three challenges in the box, but he can only direct his shot right at Ederson. Salford’s best chance so far.

Manchester City 2-0 Salford City

18:20 , Chris Wilson

33 mins

Good defending from Tilt to get across and prevent Grealish from being 1-v-1 with the ‘keeper. From the corner, Salford clear it but the hosts win it back instantly as Savinho does well to track back and win the ball.

Manchester City 2-0 Salford City

18:17 , Chris Wilson

30 mins

A bit disappointing from Mubama as he’s flagged offside right after playing a great pass that had afforded Doku plenty of space to run into.

The hosts are dominating as you’d expect.

Manchester City 2-0 Salford City

18:15 , Chris Wilson

28 mins

Some good work from Berkoe and Garbutt gives the latter some space down the left, but his cross is blocked by Ake.

Manchester City 2-0 Salford City

18:12 , Chris Wilson

26 mins

Another break in play as Salford ‘keeper Young is receiving treatment. Very stop-start since the second goal.

Manchester City 2-0 Salford City

18:11 , Chris Wilson

23 mins

A brief break in play as Savinho goes flying into one of the camera pits. In other news, Shephard was indeed booked for that earlier challenge.

GOAL! Manchester City 2-0 Salford City

18:08 , Chris Wilson

20 mins

GOAL! Mubama scores on his debut!

It’s played wide to Savinho, who gets into the box before laying off a perfectly weighted pass to Nunes, who had made the diagonal overlapping run. All he has to do is square it to set up the open goal, and Mubama taps into an empty net!

18:06 , Chris Wilson

19 mins

It should be an early yellow for Shephard, who goes flying in through the back of Doku near halfway, but play goes on for so long that he seems like he may have escaped it.

Manchester City 1-0 Salford City

18:03 , Chris Wilson

17 mins

Grealish skips past a couple of challenges before firing a shot that is blocked for a corner.

From the set-piece, it’s nodded on at the front post and Ake heads it back across goal. Simpson-Pusey is there to surely tap in from about two yards, but he can’t make a connection and it’s cleared off the line!

Manchester City 1-0 Salford City

18:01 , Chris Wilson

15 mins

A half-chance for City as they break and Doku lays it off to McAtee. The space has opened up behind the defence and Mubama has made a great run, but McAtee chooses the wrong pass and the chance goes begging.

Manchester City 1-0 Salford City

17:59 , Chris Wilson

13 mins

More good play from City, who are just managing the game at the minute. Doku sees space open up in front of him and he drives into it before fizzing a shot well wide.

Manchester City 1-0 Salford City

17:57 , Chris Wilson

10 mins

Half a chance for Salford as Garbutt swings in a cross that is met by Lund, but he can only hook his header onto the roof of the net.

Moments later, the ball drops to Savinho on the edge of the six-yard box, but his cushioned volley goes out for a goal kick.

GOAL! Manchester City 1-0 Salford City

17:55 , Chris Wilson

8 mins

GOAL! City are ahead already.

Ashley tries to bring the ball down in the centre circle and Nunes nips in to dispossess him. He surges towards the box and lays it off to Grealish, who the slips it across to Doku, and the Belgian opens his body up to curl into the far post for 1-0.

Manchester City 0-0 Salford City

17:53 , Chris Wilson

7 mins

Doku gets in behind and sees his cross blocked for a corner. Grealish delivers, but Tilt heads clear well.

Manchester City 0-0 Salford City

17:51 , Chris Wilson

5 mins

Nunes gets forward and slips the ball to Savinho, who in turn cuts back outside and lays it off to O’Reilly, who blazes over from distance.

Manchester City 0-0 Salford City

17:50 , Chris Wilson

4 mins

Salford have their first foray forward but it ends with a foul on Grealish near the City box. Somewhat encouraging passages of play for the visitors there though.

Manchester City 0-0 Salford City

17:48 , Chris Wilson

2 mins

All City in the early stages, as you’d expect. City are lining up with O’Reilly at left-back and Nunes at right-back at the moment.

KICK-OFF! Manchester City 0-0 Salford City

17:46 , Chris Wilson

The home side get us underway in this Manchester derby!

Manchester City vs Salford City LIVE

17:42 , Chris Wilson

Both sides are emerging from the tunnel at the Etihad, and we’re almost underway.

Manchester City vs Salford City LIVE

17:41 , Chris Wilson

Tonight is a big night for Divin Mubama, who spent last season with West Ham’s senior squad but left in the summer when his contract expired.

The 20-year-old is making his senior debut for City, having made 18 senior appearances for the Hammers, including five in the Premier League.

Manchester City vs Salford City LIVE

17:31 , Chris Wilson

FA Cup results

17:25 , Chris Wilson

Some news from around the grounds so far in the third round.

Plymouth Argyle have knocked out Brentford after winning 1-0 away, while Leicester beat QPR 6-2 and Liverpool won 4-0 at home to Accrington Stanley.

Chelsea beat Morecambe 5-0 at home, while Brighton won 4-0 away at Norwich and Forest beat Luton 2-0.

Other results include:

Birmingham 2-1 Lincoln City

Bristol City 1-2 Wolves

Middlesbrough 0-1 Blackburn

Bournemouth 5-1 West Brom

Exeter City 3-1 Oxford United

Robinson: “The preparations for these games are quite easy"

17:20 , Chris Wilson

Ahead of the match, Salford boss Karl Robinson told the media that “the preparations for these games are quite easy because the quality of the opposition is obvious”.

“You always know that a moment of genius by one of their top players, you can find yourself getting beaten because of that,” Robinson added.

“Their movement patterns are so good that you can almost see them; at our level there’s a degree of unpredictability to get into the final third but there’s a consistency for Manchester City and these other Premier League teams that they allow you to coach a little bit more.

“There’s only one important aspect and that’s the result but when you go against a team that’s so strong and they’ve got so much quality, there is another side of winning, and that’s that we don’t let ourselves down.

“If we do all of the controllables at the weekend then in my mind my players will have won. The result will be a by-product of that, granted, but the result is always taken out of your hands by the quality of the opposition.”

Match facts

17:15 , Chris Wilson

This is Salford City’s first ever appearance in the FA Cup third round. The last team whose first such game came against the reigning English top-flight champions was Scunthorpe in 1951-52 (lost 0-3 to Tottenham).

Since losing 1-0 to Wigan in the FA Cup fifth round in 2017-18, Manchester City have won their last 24 matches against sides from a lower division (across both League Cup and FA Cup) by an aggregate score of 88-12.

Guardiola: “I will be playing against my neighbourhood"

17:10 , Chris Wilson

In his pre-match press conference, Pep Guardiola refused to comment on rumours surrounding potential signings, before adding that he has “lived in Salford for the past eight years so I will be playing against my neighbourhood, my home town”.

“The past six games, six clean sheets and six victories, so I have huge respect for them and what they do - the intensity - and we will take it seriously, like we always have done,” he said.

On Salford’s ownership, he added: “I saw Gary Neville. I don’t know all the other players involved but they are smart people, I’m sure of that, and when people from football run clubs they take smart decisions.”

Match facts

17:07 , Chris Wilson

This is Salford City’s third meeting with Premier League opposition in all competitions, previously losing 3-0 against Everton (September 2020) and 4-0 against Burnley (September 2023).

Manchester City haven’t been eliminated at this stage of the FA Cup since 2011-12, when they lost 3-2 at home to Manchester United. Including replays, they’ve won their last 11 FA Cup third round matches by an aggregate score of 46-4.

Pep Guardiola: I’ll leave punditry and club ownership to likes of Gary Neville

17:03 , Chris Wilson

Pep Guardiola is happy to leave the worlds of punditry and club ownership to the likes of Gary Neville.

The Manchester City boss will welcome Neville to the Etihad Stadium on Saturday as the champions host the former Manchester United star’s Salford team in the FA Cup third round.

Neville, who owns the League Two outfit along with other members of United’s famous ‘Class of 92’, has carved out successful careers in football punditry and business since retiring.

Pep Guardiola: I’ll leave punditry and club ownership to likes of Gary Neville

Team news

16:59 , Chris Wilson

Salford have made two changes to the side that beat MK Dons 1-0 last week. In midfield, Ryan Watson is replaced by Matty Lund, while in attack, Cole Stockton comes out for Kylian Kouassi.

Team news

16:57 , Chris Wilson

Pep Guardiola unsurprisingly makes nine changes to the side that beat West Ham last week.

In goal, Ederson comes in for Ortega, while Jahmai Simson-Pusey and Matheus Nunes come into defence in place of Josko Gvardiol and Manuel Akanji.

In midfield, Ilkay Gundogan plays alongside Nico O’Reilly, while James McAtee, Jack Grealish and Jeremy Doku return to the side in place of Phil Foden, Kevin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva.

The biggest news is that youngster Divin Mubama starts upfront in place of Erling Haaland.

Line-ups

16:49 , Chris Wilson

Man City XI: Ederson; Simpson-Pusey, Ake, Nunes, Gundogan (C), O’Reilly, McAtee, Doku, Grealish, Savinho, Mubama.

Subs: Ortega, Kovacic, Haaland, De Bruyne, Bernardo, Gvardiol, Akanji, Foden, Lewis

Salford City XI: Young, Shephard, Tilt, Garbutt, Ashley, Mnoga, Berkoe, Lund, Fornah, Kouassi, Adelakun.

Subs: Jones, Watson, Stockton, Taylor, Chester, McAleny, Malcolm, Heys, Wright.

Early team news

16:40 , Chris Wilson

The line-ups will be announced in five minutes, so here’s a reminder of the early team news.

There are no new injury concerns for City after the win over West Ham, and Guardiola may even be welcoming back Ederson and Ruben Dias after their respective injury lay-offs.

Nevertheless, neither player would be expected to start here, with Ortega likely to deputise in goal, while Jahmai Simpson-Pusey should feature at centre-back. Whether guardiola opts to use Josko Gvardiol, Nathan Ake, Manuel Akanji or a young player – such as Max Alleyne – remains to be seen.

In midfield, expect to see Mateo Kovacic and Ilkay Gundogan rested, with Nico O’Reilly potentially featuring as he did in the Community Shield.

Guardiola will also likely make changes to the forward line, with James McAtee and Jack Grealish likely to feature, while Erling Haaland could be rested in favour of 20-year-old striker Divin Mubama.

Salford City’s ownership

16:35 , Chris Wilson

Salford have existed in several iterations since the 1940s, and became professional in 2017. They were taken over by the members of Manchester United’s ‘Class of ‘92’ – including Gary Neville, David Beckham and Ryan Giggs – in 2014, and since then have won several promotions to take them into the Football League. They now sit in third in League Two, and firmly in contention for promotion.

The side have won four promotions since the group took over in 2014, and they enter the weekend in third place, level on points with second-placed Crewe Alexandra (but 10 points behind Walsall in first).

Salford’s Curtis Tilt goes from driving excavators to facing Erling Haaland

16:25 , Chris Wilson

Salford captain Curtis Tilt once thought he would spend his working life operating heavy equipment – now his next job is to stop Manchester Citygoal machine Erling Haaland.

The 33-year-old defender will lead his team out for one of the biggest games of his career as the League Two outfit head to the nearby Etihad Stadium in the FA Cup third round on Saturday.

It is a far cry from his early working days at a quarry in the midlands, controlling 50-tonne excavators and eating pies every day.

Salford’s Curtis Tilt goes from driving excavators to facing Erling Haaland

16:15 , Chris Wilson

Unsurprisingly, this is the first ever meeting between Manchester City and Salford City. It is also the League Two side’s first every appearance in the FA Cup third round.

City have won their past 17 matches when facing an opponent for the first time in all competitions since a 2-1 loss to Lyon in September 2018.

Man City in talks to sign 20-year-old Uzbekistan international defender

16:05 , Chris Wilson

Manchester City are in talks with Lens about a deal for the Uzbekistan centre-back Abdukodir Khusanov.

The French club’s manager, Will Still, confirmed Khusanov could leave this month as City look to make him their first January signing. He left Lens’ training ground due to illness and the 20-year-old, who joined Lens in 2023, may have played his last game for the club.

Still said: “We’re not going to lie to each other. We know that there are negotiations in progress, things are moving. We’re not fooled. For the moment, he’s still here and if things were to move, you’ll probably know before me. He went home because he’s really sick. If he’s still available, he’ll be in the squad.”

Man City in talks to sign 20-year-old Uzbekistan international defender

Man City target €40m Brazil defender to step up rebuild plans

15:55 , Chris Wilson

Manchester City are interested in Brazilian centre-back Vitor Reis as they start to plan for the future of their defence.

The Premier League champions hope to bring the 18-year-old to the Etihad Stadium while Palmeiras want €40m for the prospect.

City want Reis to add to their first team immediately and have no plans to send the teenager out on loan if they sign him this month.

Man City target €40m Brazil defender to step up rebuild plans

Pep Guardiola keeps Salford guessing over Erling Haaland ahead of FA Cup clash

15:45 , Mike Jones

Pep Guardiola will keep Salford guessing over whether Manchester Citystriker Erling Haaland will line up against the League Two side in the FA Cup.

City’s formidable Norwegian forward has played more minutes than any of his team-mates so far this season.

Guardiola will consider making changes for Saturday’s third-round tie against their fourth-tier neighbours but he has not decided if Haaland – who has netted 21 times this season in 2,386 minutes on the field – should have a rest.

Pep Guardiola keeps Salford guessing over Erling Haaland ahead of FA Cup clash

Predicted line-ups

15:35 , Chris Wilson

Man City XI: Ortega; Lewis, Simpson-Pusey, Alleyne, Gvardiol; O’Reilly; Savinho, Grealish, McAtee, Doku; Mubama.

Salford City XI: Young; Shephard, Tilt, Garbutt; Ashley; Mnoga, Berkoe, Watson, Fornah; Adelakun, Stockton.

Early team news

15:30 , Chris Wilson

There are no new injury concerns for City after the win over West Ham, and Guardiola may even be welcoming back Ederson and Ruben Dias after their respective injury lay-offs.

Nevertheless, neither player would be expected to start here, with Ortega likely to deputise in goal, while Jahmai Simpson-Pusey should feature at centre-back. Whether guardiola opts to use Josko Gvardiol, Nathan Ake, Manuel Akanji or a young player – such as Max Alleyne – remains to be seen.

In midfield, expect to see Mateo Kovacic and Ilkay Gundogan rested, with Nico O’Reilly potentially featuring as he did in the Community Shield.

Guardiola will also likely make changes to the forward line, with James McAtee and Jack Grealish likely to feature, while Erling Haaland could be rested in favour of 20-year-old striker Divin Mubama.

Is Man City vs Salford City on TV?

15:20 , Chris Wilson

When is Man City vs Salford City?

Man City vs Salford City will kick off at 5.45pm GMT on Saturday, 11 January at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, England.

How can I watch it?

Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on BBC One, with coverage starting at 5.30pm. Subscribers will also be able to stream the match online on BBC iPlayer.

If you want to stream major sporting events while you are travelling or watching from abroad you’ll need a VPN. Get the best VPN deals in the UK. Viewers using a VPN need to make sure that they comply with any local regulations where they are, and also with the terms of their service provider.

Manchester City vs Salford City LIVE

15:10 , Chris Wilson

Manchester City host Salford City in the third round of the FA Cup this evening, with the visitors dreaming of pulling off one of the biggest upsets in the history of the competition.

Pep Guardiola’s side have two wins on the bounce in the league after a period in which they struggled and fell to sixth, and this weekend provides a chance to rest players as they face the fourth-tier side, who are owned by several of Manchester United’s so-called ‘Class of ‘92’ including Gary Neville and David Beckham.

Salford are flying high in League Two, sitting in third and firmly in the hunt for promotion despite having been in the eighth tier of English football just 10 seasons ago.

Manchester City vs Salford City LIVE

15:00 , Chris Wilson

Good afternoon and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of today’s FA Cup tie between Manchester City and Salford City.

The League Two side cross Greater Manchester to face City in the third round, with kick-off at 5.45pm.

We’ll have all the latest build-up and team news right here.