After ending 2025 with eight straight wins, Manchester City have struggled in the New Year, drawing three consecutive Premier League matches against Sunderland, Chelsea, and Brighton, including a 1-1 home stalemate with the latter two.
Softfootball reported that Fernández’s Late Strike Earns Chelsea Dramatic Draw Against Manchester City at the Etihad, leaving City five points behind leaders Arsenal and under pressure in multiple competitions.
Pep Guardiola’s side now face back-to-back cup challenges, starting with an FA Cup tie against League One Exeter City on the 10th january. The Citizens are seven-time FA Cup winners and have reached at least the semi-finals in eight of the last nine seasons under Guardiola, though only claiming the trophy twice.
Exeter, meanwhile, have built momentum with two wins and a draw from their last three matches, climbing to 14th in League One, with Jayden Wareham leading the line with 11 goals this season.
Softfootball reported that Rayan Cherki inspires Manchester City to tough win over resilient Nottingham Forest, showing City’s youngsters are capable of handling pressure in cup ties. Exeter City even posted a video on their X handle
Team News
Man City are without Josko Gvardiol, Ruben Dias, Oscar Bobb, John Stones, Mateo Kovacic, and Savinho, while Omar Marmoush and Rayan Ait-Nouri remain on AFCON duty. Antoine Semenyo could make his debut after joining from Bournemouth. Exeter miss Johnly Yfeko, Josh Magennis, Ryan Rydel, and Danny Andrew, with Sil Swinkels recalled by Aston Villa.
Possible Lineups
Manchester City: Trafford; Lewis, Mfuni, Alleyne, Naylor; Gray, J. Heskey; McAidoo, Cherki, R. Heskey; Mukasa
Exeter City: Whitworth; Sweeney, Fitzwater, Turns; Niskanen, Doyle-Hayes, Brierley, McMillan; Cole, Aitchison; Wareham
Softfootball Prediction
Manchester City 2-0 Exeter City. Despite Exeter’s motivation, City’s talented youngsters should control the tie and secure a comfortable win, with Guardiola’s stars ready to make an impact if needed.
