Manchester City learn FA Cup fourth round opponents following third round outcome | OneFootball

Pep Guardiola and his Manchester City players have now found out who they will face in the next round of the FA Cup.

With recent focus placed on UEFA Champions League action at Bodo/Glimt and squad management amid illness and injuries, the FA Cup presents a further opportunity for rotation and a rebuilding of momentum in a demanding schedule.

The competition has often served as a platform for Guardiola to blend experience with youth, and given discussions around squad depth, January transfer activity, and the future of several players, cup fixtures remain an important environment for maintaining rhythm and assessing options across the squad.

There is also added intrigue whenever City are drawn against local opposition, with such ties bringing an extra narrative, fan interest, and historical significance, reinforcing the FA Cup’s reputation for creating unique matchday stories.

And now, following the conclusion of Tuesday night’s third round encounter, Manchester City will face Salford City in the fourth round of the FA Cup after the Greater Manchester side defeated fellow League Two outfit Swindon Town in a dramatic 3-2 win in round three.

The tie will be staged at the Etihad Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 3PM (UK) on Saturday 14 February, while Salford’s progression was slightly delayed after their third round fixture had been postponed earlier in the month.

Manchester City booked their own place in the fourth round in emphatic style, producing a dominant display against League One opposition Exeter in a 10-1 victory that underlined their attacking depth and clinical efficiency.

The meeting with Salford will mark only the second competitive encounter between the two clubs, with their previous clash coming just over a year ago as City ran out convincing winners in an 8-0 third round victory en route to the FA Cup final at Wembley.

Salford arrive in strong domestic form, currently sitting fourth in League Two, and their cup run has already included victories over Lincoln City and Leyton Orient before Tuesday’s dramatic success against Swindon Town.

For Pep Guardiola, the fixture could provide an opportunity to rotate while still demanding a high level of professionalism. With recent comments around fitness concerns and squad availability, the FA Cup becomes increasingly important for maintaining competitiveness across the squad.