FA Cup LIVE! Man City in front vs Salford with Burnley, Norwich leading

Manchester City host League Two side Salford City in the FA Cup 2025-26 fourth round at the Etihad Stadium on February 14, 2026, kicking off at 3:00 PM GMT. This marks Salford's historic first appearance in the fourth round, but they face a daunting challenge against the Premier League champions, who thrashed Exeter City 10-1 in the previous round.[1][2]

Pep Guardiola is rotating his squad amid a busy schedule. Star striker Erling Haaland is doubtful with a niggle from the midweek win over Fulham and unlikely to play, with Omar Marmoush leading the line. Possible returns include John Stones, while Josko Gvardiol and Mateo Kovacic remain out. Contenders for starts: James Trafford, Rayan Cherki, Tijjani Reijnders, Nico Gonzalez, Max Alleyne, and Rico Lewis, who scored twice against Exeter.[1][2][7]

Man City dominated Salford 8-0 in last season's third round and boast a 20-game winning streak against non-Premier League sides in the FA Cup, scoring 82 goals. Sports Mole predicts a 4-0 City win.[2]

Early match action (as of 3:40 PM UTC): City lead 1-0 via an Alfie Dorrington own goal in the 6th minute. Lineup: Trafford; Aït-Nouri, Stones, Khusanov, Alleyne; Lewis, Reijnders; González, Cherki, Foden, Marmoush. Key moments include blocked shots from Cherki (30') and González (28'), plus a corner.[7][8]

Broadcast: UK radio-only (BBC Radio Manchester) due to 3 PM blackout; India on Sony Sports; US via ESPN+/FuboTV. Referee: Matt Donohue. Elsewhere, Burnley and Norwich lead their ties, per the headline context.[1][6]

City aim for an 11th straight fifth-round appearance in this lopsided clash.[2]