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January 5, 2024
Manchester City, the reigning champions, will play Huddersfield in the FA Cup Third Round.
Manchester City, fresh off a trophy-laden 2023, are poised to continue their winning streak in the 2024 FA Cup. The previous year saw them secure multiple titles, cementing their position as one of the top teams in English football. They continued demonstrated their excellent form by defeating Sheffield United 2-0 in their most recent Premier League fixture. To defend their FA Cup title, City will play Huddersfield Town, who play in the EFL Championship, in the third round.
Huddersfield Town, managed by Darren Moore, is struggling in the Championship, languishing in 21st place out of 24 teams. Their recent form has been disappointing, as evidenced by a heavy 4-1 defeat to Leicester City. This loss has amplified their challenges in climbing up the Championship table. With their current struggles, Huddersfield will face a formidable test against the defending FA Cup champions at the Etihad Stadium. The match will be a significant challenge for them as they attempt to turn their fortunes around and make an impact in the cup competition.
Kick-Off:
At 2:00 PM UK time on Sunday, January 7, 2024 (7:30 PM IST)
Location: Etihad Stadium
Form:
Manchester City (all competitions): W-W-W-W-D
Huddersfield (all competitions): L-L-W-L-D
Phil Foden (Manchester City)
Phil Foden has been in outstanding form recently, and his performance in Manchester City’s 2-0 victory over Sheffield United is a testament to his impact on the game. In that match, Foden was instrumental, providing assists for both goals and showcasing his vision, creativity, and technical ability. As an attacking midfielder, he has the flair to unlock defenses and create scoring opportunities for his teammates. His ability to link up play and deliver key passes will be crucial for City as they aim to break down Huddersfield’s defense. Foden’s involvement in the game will likely be a significant factor in City’s attacking strategy.
Michal Helik (Huddersfield Town)
Despite Huddersfield Town’s heavy 4-1 defeat to Leicester City, Michal Helik stood out for his defensive efforts. Helik was tasked with a challenging role as a central defender but performed commendably. He played a solid game at the back and contributed offensively by scoring a consolation goal. His defensive resilience and ability to contribute in set-piece situations make him a key player for Huddersfield. With the team facing a tough match against Manchester City, Helik’s defensive skills and leadership will be vital in managing City’s attacking threats and providing stability at the back.
With 14 games played, City has not lost.
Huddersfield have not beaten City in their last six meetings.
The last time Huddersfield knocked out a defending FA Cup champion was in 1960-61.
Manchester City: Goalkeeper Zack Steffen has moved to Colorado Rapids, and John Stones is sidelined with an ankle injury. Jérémy Doku and Erling Haaland are back in training, while Kevin De Bruyne may see action alongside them.
Huddersfield: Injuries have sidelined Patrick Jones, Oliver Turton, Matthew Pearson, Kian Harratt, Josh Ruffels, Jonathan Hogg, Delano Burgzorg, Danny Ward, and Chris Maxwell.
Total Matches: 6
Manchester City Wins: 4
Huddersfield Wins: 0
Draws: 2
Manchester City (4-2-3-1)
Ortega (GK); Silva, Foden, Grealish; Álvarez; Walker, Dias, Ake, Gvardiol; Lewis, Rodri
Huddersfield (3-5-2)
Headley, Wiles, Thomas, Koroma, Edmonds-Green, Rudoni, Kasumu, and Nicholls (GK).
Manchester City entered this FA Cup clash with a formidable reputation and impressive recent performances. They boast a solid lineup and a record of dominance in domestic competitions as the defending champions. Their current form is exceptional, consistently outperforming their opponents across various tournaments.
Huddersfield Town, on the other hand, are struggling in the Championship, sitting near the lower end of the table. Their recent performances reflect their challenges, highlighting several heavy defeats. Given these factors, they face a significant challenge against a Manchester City side that has been nearly unbeatable at home.
The City’s home record in the FA Cup further underscores its strength. They have maintained a strong track record at the Etihad Stadium, with their last defeat to a Championship team in the FA Cup coming back in 2015. This history, combined with their current form, suggests that Manchester City will likely handle Huddersfield relatively easily.
Considering the disparity in form and the strength of Manchester City’s squad, it is anticipated that City will secure a comfortable victory. Huddersfield will need to improve its performance to cause a significant upset.
Prediction: Manchester City 3-0 Huddersfield
India: Sony Sports
UK: BBC, ITV
US: ESPN
Nigeria: Supersport
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Katarzyna Nowak is a seasoned writer with over five years of experience in editorial content, news reporting, and football sportsbook app reviews. As an author for Football News Today, she combines her deep understanding of the sports betting industry with a passion for football, delivering insightful and accurate content that keeps readers informed and engaged.
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