Manchester City vs Port Vale: Preview

Preview: Manchester City vs. Port Vale - Predictions, team news, lineups.

Manchester City host the F.A. Cup Round 3 fixture against League Two side Port Vale on Saturday evening as they look to successfully defend the trophy they won last year in May.

Port Vale, sitting in the 10th position in League Two, make a small trip to the Etihad. Their league position means they are 76 places behind their opponents in the English Football League pyramid.

Match Preview:

During the start of the new season, winning the FA Cup would have been third on the list of priorities for City manager, Pep Guardiola. But, given the mammoth distance between them and league leaders Liverpool, he will be more concentrated on defending this trophy, which they won after having a field-day against Watford in the final of this competition last season, beating them 6-0.

After a hectic Christmas schedule which had them play two games in less than 46 hours, and the upcoming first leg of the EFL cup semi-final against rivals Manchester United, the Cityzens have the perfect opportunity to rest their key players in this favourable draw against lower-league opposition.

Sergio Aguero, who has seen his playtime hindered due to injuries and Gabriel Jesus' form, would be looking to take his frustration out against his next opponents as he tries to reclaim his position as the team striker.

As for the Staffordshire outfit, they have gone five games unbeaten in their league. However, four of these five fixtures had ended in a draw for Vale. Still, John Askey's team will have plenty of belief ahead of their visit to one of Europe's top clubs.

Vale overcame two arduous opponents, with success being achieved against MK Dons and Cheltenham Town away from home on their way to this fixture.

Team News:

Sergio Aguero is likely to start up front on Saturday after his return from injury, alongside Raheem Sterling, since the latter was only a late substitute against the Toffees on New Year's Day.

The Argentine goal-machine, Sergio Aguero could start up front alongside the Brit, Raheem Sterling.

The spanish teenager, Eric Garcia, has shown promise when given the chance and should start with Taylor Harwood-Bellis as centre-halves. Meanwhile, Kyle Walker could be used alongside Angelino in the fullback positions.

Claudio Bravo should be given the nod in between the sticks, though Ederson might be available after recovering from his illness.

John Askey must decide whether to tweak his line-up or continue with the side that earned a 2-2 draw against Macclesfield Town a week earlier.

A former Liverpool trainee, David Amoo, who made one senior start for the Merseyside giants in a Europa League qualifier, should start on the flank.

Prediction:

While City will make number of variations, we should not witness anything other than a habitual victory for the Manchester outfit over their inferior counterparts. Port Vale may be able to get a consolation goal, although much could depend on how they last against the strong City side.

Manchester City 4-0 Port Vale.