Manchester City vs Plymouth Argyle: FA Cup Fifth Round Odds, Lineups & Predictions
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Explore our detailed preview for Manchester City vs Plymouth Argyle in the FA Cup Fifth Round. Key stats, predictions, and lineups for the 17:45 GMT match.
FA Cup quarter-final at stake—can Plymouth pull off the biggest shock of the competition, or will City flex their dominance?
Key Betting Insights & Predictions
- Over 2.5 Goals: 78.75% probability
- City to Score 3+ Goals: 69.42% probability
- Both Teams to Score: 52.53% probability
- Win Probability: Manchester City: 85.75%, Plymouth Argyle: 5.01% & Draw: 9.25%
Manchester City are unbeaten at home in their last 17 FA Cup ties—can Plymouth defy all logic and make history?
Final Prediction: Manchester City 4-0 Plymouth Argyle
- City’s class and depth should blow Plymouth away.
- Plymouth will defend in numbers, but resistance will not last.
- A comfortable City win as they march into the quarter-finals.
Match Preview
Manchester City: Bouncing Back with a Statement Win?
By their lofty standards, City’s recent form has been erratic—defeats to Liverpool, Arsenal, and Real Madrid exposed their weaknesses, but a 4-0 hammering of Newcastle reminded everyone what Pep Guardiola’s men are capable of.
Why City Should Dominate:
- 52 goals scored across all competitions this season.
- A ruthless home record—unbeaten in the FA Cup at the Etihad since 2015.
- Squad depth means fresh legs, but quality remains sky-high.
Squad rotation is likely, but that does not mean mercy for Plymouth. Expect big performances from City’s fringe stars.
Plymouth Argyle: Dreaming of Another FA Cup Miracle
Few gave Plymouth a chance against Liverpool in the fourth round, but a stunning 1-0 win silenced the doubters. They will need another defensive masterclass and clinical counter-attacking to stand any hope here.
Warning Signs for the Underdogs:
- A questionable defensive record, having kept just one clean sheet in ten competitive matches.
- Won just once in four games since their Liverpool heroics.
- Only a 5% chance of victory.
A disciplined, defensive approach is Plymouth’s only option. But can they hold out against City’s relentless attacking waves?
Team Form Guide
- Manchester City - Last 6 Matches: WLLWLW - FA Cup Form: Wins vs Salford and Leyton Orient
- Plymouth Argyle - Last 6 Matches: DDLWWW - FA Cup Form: Wins vs Liverpool and West Brom
Head-to-Head: First-Ever FA Cup Meeting
- Manchester City Wins: N/A
- Draws: N/A
- Plymouth Wins: N/A
No history between these sides, but City’s FA Cup pedigree makes them overwhelming favourites.
Predicted Lineups & Team News
Manchester City (4-3-3)
Key Absences:
- Rodri (ACL Injury – Out for Season)
- John Stones (Doubtful – Foot injury)
- Manuel Akanji (Muscle injury)
- Oscar Bobb (Broken leg)
Predicted XI: Ortega; Lewis, Khusanov, Ake, Gvardiol; Gonzalez, Nunes, McAtee; Grealish, Marmoush, Doku
Plymouth Argyle (3-4-2-1)
Key Absences:
- Ryan Hardie (Hamstring injury)
- Brendan Galloway (Doubtful- foot injury)
- Joe Edwards (Doubtful- Fitness issue)
Predicted XI: Hazard; Palsson, Katic, Talovierov; Puchacz, Houghton, Randell, Sorinola; Wright, Hajj; Bundu
Tactical Battle
Manchester City Approach:
- Dominate possession (expect 70%+ control).
- High pressing to force Plymouth deep into their own half.
- An early goal to break Plymouth’s defensive resistance.
Plymouth’s Strategy:
- Stay compact and frustrate City.
- Look for set-piece chances—arguably their best hope.
- Defend for their lives and hope for a counter-attack miracle.
Can Plymouth stun the world again, or is this simply another routine FA Cup win for Guardiola’s men?
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Odds and market details are accurate as of the time of publication
