In-depth Analysis
This is the first meeting between Man City and Exeter City, but The Citizens have been impressive when facing English teams for the first time: they won their last 5 such matches, scoring 23 goals and conceding just 2. Conversely, Exeter City has been eliminated in their last 10 FA Cup matches against Premier League teams since knocking out Leicester in the 4th round of the 1980/81 season.
Man City also boasts an excellent home record in the FA Cup: since a 0-2 loss to Middlesbrough in January 2015, they have won 15 consecutive home matches, scoring 65 goals. This streak is only behind the all-time record held by Clapham Rovers (17 consecutive wins from 1873–1881) and Liverpool’s record (16 consecutive wins from 1939–1955).
Moreover, Phil Foden is likely to start due to his knack for scoring in domestic cup competitions: in 20 official appearances against lower league teams, he has been involved in 26 goals (14 goals, 12 assists) and won all 20 matches.
Man City’s chances of victory are even higher, as they look to “vent their frustration” after three consecutive draws in the Premier League. Although Exeter defeated Oxford United 3-1 in the previous season’s FA Cup third round, the club has never reached the fourth round in two consecutive seasons since 1949/50 and 1950/51.