Manchester City vs Salford – Predicted lineup and team news

Manchester City will open the doors of the Etihad to neighbours Salford City on Saturday afternoon for an FA Cup fourth-round tie that pits the quadruple-chasing hosts against ambitious League Two promotion hopefuls.

Pep Guardiola’s squad arrive at the weekend buoyed by successive Premier League victories over Liverpool and Fulham, results that trimmed Arsenal’s lead at the top to four points and maintained hopes of sweeping every competition on the calendar. With a place already secured in the League Cup final, City now aim to move one step closer to a domestic double in the world’s oldest cup competition.

Salford, sitting sixth in the fourth tier, travel across Greater Manchester aware of the size of the task. The Ammies were routed 8-0 at this ground in last season’s FA Cup and know another disciplined performance will be required to keep the deficit respectable.

Erling Haaland is expected to miss out after reporting a “niggle” in the closing stages of the Fulham win. In his stead, Omar Marmoush is poised to start through the middle; the German forward struck twice against Newcastle when deputising earlier this month.

Guardiola’s selection is further complicated by injuries on the flanks. Jeremy Doku and Savinho remain unavailable, leaving the manager short of natural width, while full-back Josko Gvardiol and midfielder Mateo Kovacic continue their rehabilitation.

With a congested calendar ahead, rotation appears likely. James Trafford could be handed a rare start in goal, and summer arrivals Nico Gonzalez and home-grown talent Rico Lewis are in contention after limited recent minutes.

Manchester City predicted XI: Trafford; Lewis, Khusanov, Stones, Ake; Gonzalez; McAidoo, Reijnders, Foden, Cherki; Marmoush.

Kick-off is at 3pm GMT on Saturday 14th February 2026.