Manchester City begin their FA Cup campaign on Saturday afternoon with a third round meeting against League One side Exeter City at the Etihad Stadium.
How to watch online
Manchester City v Exeter City will be played at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday 10 January, with kick off scheduled for 3pm GMT. The match will not be broadcast live on television in the UK, though highlights will be available later on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website.
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City enter the tournament determined to go one step further than they have managed in recent seasons. Pep Guardiola’s side have reached the FA Cup final in each of the last two campaigns, only to fall short on both occasions, and there is renewed motivation to finally lift the trophy this time around.
Exeter arrive in Manchester in solid form of their own. The Grecians are unbeaten in their last three matches and currently sit 14th in League One, comfortably clear of immediate danger.
While few expect a major upset, simply reaching this stage represents a significant achievement and a memorable occasion for the Devon club.
The draw has particular significance for Exeter manager Gary Caldwell, who knows better than most that FA Cup shocks are possible. Caldwell was part of the Wigan Athletic side that famously defeated Manchester City 1-0 in the 2013 FA Cup final, an experience that offers perspective ahead of this daunting assignment.
Exeter’s resilience has been a notable feature of their season so far. They have not conceded more than two goals in any League One match, highlighting the defensive structure Caldwell has instilled.
A five at the back system has provided stability, although it is likely to be pushed to its limits against elite opposition.
Containing Manchester City, even a rotated version, presents a vastly different challenge to domestic league fixtures against fellow third tier sides.
Exeter can draw confidence from past cup performances. Last season’s 2-2 draw away at Nottingham Forest showed they are capable of competing against higher ranked teams when disciplined and organised.
Keeping the scoreline respectable will be viewed as a success, particularly in such a high profile setting.
For City, the FA Cup represents another opportunity to add to an already glittering honours list. Guardiola will be keen to make plenty of changes to his squad.
While Manchester City are overwhelming favourites, Exeter will embrace the occasion and enjoy the day.
