Manchester City-Port Vale: The FA Cup defense begins
Manchester City will start their FA Cup title defense with a third round tie at home against League Two side Port Vale.
Manchester City were handed a favorable draw in the third round against Port Vale as they look to retain their FA Cup trophy. This should be a fairly straightforward match for City, and they will have the chance to rotate as players return to fitness.
Although he will not play in this match, today’s training session brought very encouraging news as star central defender Aymeric Laporte returned to training. Laporte’s absence has been the primary cause of City’s poor Premier League form this year, and with the Champions League knockouts against Real Madrid beginning on Feb. 26, the French center-back should be ready and fully integrated back into first team football.
Eric García could make his third consecutive start in this game as he partners with fellow youngster Taylor Harwood-Bellis, while midfielders Tommy Doyle and Adrián Bernabé, who have featured in the Carabao Cup, could also play.
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Expect Claudio Bravo to once again start in goal as the cup goalkeeper following Ederson’s suspension and illness kept him out of the previous matches. City should have little trouble with this game, but it will be the biggest game in which many of these Port Vale players have featured in their careers, and they will be up for it.
Miracles and massive upsets do occasionally happen in these cup ties, but if City can maintain their focus and play their best football, it should be a comfortable way to begin a new year of FA Cup football.
Prediction: Manchester City 4-0 Port Vale