Prediction and odds for the game: Manchester City (1/20) v Port Vale (25/1)
We are taking a punt on both teams to score at odds of 3/ 4.
When: Saturday 04th January 2020, Kick-off 5:31
Where: The Etihad Stadium
The FA Cup third-round tie between Manchester City and Port Vale is the classic David v Goliath clash that the famous old cup competition throws up every season.
Manchester City
While the FA Cup may not be City’s priority this season, City boss Pep Guardiola takes the competitions seriously. The former Barcelona chief is likely to rotate his squad, but whatever team he puts out should have enough to make this a very long evening for the visitors from the Potteries.
The Citizens may well struggle to defend their top-flight crown this season, but retaining the FA Cup may prove to be a more realistic prospect. As you would expect from the holders, City have a stellar recent record in the competition.
In fact, City have won eight of their last nine matches in the famous old competition. They have also suffered just one defeat over 90 minutes in their last 15 FA Cup outings.
As has been the custom with City in recent seasons the Citizens have been prolific in front of goal in the FA Cup of late, scoring at least twice in nine of their last 12 matches in the competition.
Port Vale
The visitors are currently tenth place in League Two and not much is expected of them against the reigning Premier League champions. With that in mind, they can go out and enjoy the occasion, even if the scoreline doesn’t favour them.
John Askey’s team will at least make the short journey to Manchester on the back of a five-game unbeaten run in all competitions. However, four of those five undefeated games have finished all-square.
Although Vale have not been prolific in front of goal this season, they have scored at least two goals in their last three league outings.
The visitors have a mixed recent record in the FA Cup. The home side has so far eliminated MK Dons and Cheltenham Town. Saturday’s opponents are in a whole different galaxy from their previous opponents.
Vale do have a bit of giantkilling pedigree, having beaten Premier League Everton in the competition in 1996. At the time, The Toffees were, in fact, the holders of the competition, so the win was massive for Vale. A repeat of that win looks unlikely in this tie though.
Conclusion
It would be one of the biggest shocks in the history of the competition if Port Vale got the better of Manchester City. The Citizens will rotate their squad, but they will still retain a few first-team players.
When it comes to finding value in this game it is difficult. However, we are taking a punt on both teams to score. We are also backing City to win with a handicap of -3, which is not terrible odds.
Verdict: We are backing both teams to score at odds of 3/ 4 and City to record a win with a handicap of -3 at odds of 4/6. (All odds are taken from Bet365).
[geosnippet id=3620]If you are looking for a bookmaker to use for your bet on Manchester City v Port Vale then check out our betting page. Our soccer predictions page may also interest you, as we post two daily tips articles.
Can Port Vale cause one of the biggest shocks in FA Cup history at the Etihad Stadium?
