Manchester City will aim to bounce back from their humiliating Premier League defeat at Arsenal when they travel to Brisbane Road for an FA Cup fourth-round clash against League One side Leyton Orient. The two teams meet for the first time since 1966, with City looking to continue their dominance against lower-league opposition in this historic competition.
Match Preview
After a strong run of form in the Premier League, winning four of their last five matches, City faced a major setback last weekend when Arsenal delivered a shocking 5-1 defeat to the reigning champions. Despite Erling Haaland reaching the milestone of 250 career goals faster than legends like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, City collapsed in the latter stages of the match, leaving them in fifth place in the league.
Pep Guardiola's men now shift focus to cup competitions, with a crucial UEFA Champions League first-leg clash against Real Madrid on the horizon. However, before that, they face a Leyton Orient side that has impressed in League One this season and is pushing for a playoff spot.
Leyton Orient's 11-game unbeaten run in League One was recently ended by Stockport County, but they have shown resilience, thrashing Exeter City 6-2 earlier this month. Manager Richie Wellens and his squad will be eager to make history in front of their home fans.
Team News & Expected Lineups
Leyton Orient: The O’s could be without Sean Clare and Omar Beckles, both sidelined with injuries. Brandon Cooper is expected to partner Dan Happe in central defense, while new signing Randell Williams may feature as a substitute. Top scorer Charlie Kelman, who has netted 12 goals this season, will lead the attack.
Predicted Leyton Orient XI: Keeley; James, Cooper, Happe, Currie; Pratley, Brown; Perkins, Donley, Abdulai; Kelman.
Manchester City: Guardiola is likely to rotate his squad with an eye on the Champions League. Key players Rodri, Jeremy Doku, Nathan Ake, and Ruben Dias are ruled out, while Ederson and Oscar Bobb face late fitness tests. Youngsters Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis could feature in defense, while Divin Mubama may lead the attack in place of Haaland.
Predicted Manchester City XI: Ortega; Lewis; Khusanov, Stones, O'Reilly; Gundogan, McAtee; Savinho, De Bruyne, Grealish; Mubama.
Prediction & Key Stats
Manchester City have won their last 17 FA Cup ties against lower-league opposition by an aggregate score of 67-8, including an 8-0 demolition of Salford City in the previous round. Meanwhile, Leyton Orient are competing in the FA Cup fourth round for the first time since 2010-11.
While Leyton Orient will likely make it competitive, City's attacking depth should see them through comfortably. Expect goals from the visitors, but the home side may find the net as well.
Prediction: Leyton Orient 1-3 Manchester City
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