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class=”article_teaser__2t5do”>The 2019 FA Cup winners will be hungry for more silverware and they should start their campaign this year in the tournament in comfortable fashion

Manchester City welcome Birmingham City to the Etihad Stadium on Sunday in the third round of the FA Cup with Pep Guardiola’s men aiming to continue their strong form in domestic cup competitions.

City cruised into the final of the Carabao Cup in midweek, overcoming arch-rivals Manchester United 2-0, and are understandably strong favourites again this weekend against the side currently sitting 18th in the Championship.

Manchester City vs Birmingham City Latest Odds

The Premier League outfit are one of the shortest-priced favourites in the third round of the FA Cup, offered at just 3/25 (1.12) by bet365 to claim a win.

The visitors for their part can be backed at 16/1 (17.00) to pull off what would be a monumental shock, with the draw available at 17/2 (9.50).

Manchester City vs Birmingham City Team News

An outbreak of coronavirus among City’s squad means Ferran Torres, Ederson and Eric Garcia are all unavailable, along with youngsters Tommy Doyle and Cole Palmer, and veteran Scott Carson.

Muscle injuries for Aymeric Laporte and Nathan Ake also make them unlikely to feature.

Meanwhile, Aitor Karanka is set to be without the services of injured midfield duo Gary Gardner and Alen Halilovic.

Manchester City vs Birmingham City Preview

An upset at the Etihad Stadium this weekend looks far from probable, with City’s form contrasting heavily with that of their opponents.

Guardiola’s men have racked up five consecutive wins in all competitions and are unbeaten since November, while Birmingham are winless in their last six matches, of which they have lost five.

It remains to be seen how seriously the visitors take the clash given they are hovering above the relegation zone and clearly have their priorities elsewhere.

Guardiola of course may well rotate his squad given the packed fixture schedule, yet nevertheless City should still be far too strong for a Birmingham team that have managed just 17 goals in 23 Championship games this season. 

Manchester City vs Birmingham City Tips And Predictions

Over the last three weeks, Karanka’s men have conceded three goals or more against Cardiff, Middlesbrough and Derby County.

Manchester City can be backed at 4/6 (1.66) to score over 2.5 goals and if you combine this selection with the hosts to win the first half the odds rise to a healthy looking 19/20 (1.95).

All odds correct at time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.

You can watch the FA Cup live on the go with your iPhone, iPad or Android device through your bet365 account. All you need is a funded account or to have placed a bet in the last 24 hours to qualify.

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