The FA Cup third round welcomes a true "David vs. Goliath" encounter today, Saturday, January 10, 2026, as Manchester City hosts League One side Exeter City. Kick-off is scheduled for 15:00 GMT at the Etihad Stadium.
This match marks the first-ever competitive meeting between the two clubs. While City are overwhelming favorites, they enter the new year searching for their first win of 2026 after a string of three consecutive Premier League draws.
Match Details: Kick-off & Official Info
Competition: FA Cup (Third Round)
Date: Saturday, January 10, 2026
Kick-off: 15:00 GMT / 10:00 ET
Venue: Etihad Stadium, Manchester
Referee: Adam Herczeg (VAR: Not in use for this fixture)
Broadcast: Not televised in the UK (3pm blackout); ESPN+ (US)
The Storyline: Defensive Crisis vs. The Grecians' Dream
Manchester City: A Depleted Giant
Pep Guardiola faces a significant selection headache, particularly in defense. City are currently in the midst of a backline injury crisis with Rúben Dias, Joško Gvardiol, and John Stones all ruled out. This has forced the recall of 20-year-old Max Alleyne from his loan at Watford to provide cover.
Despite the defensive woes, all eyes are on the potential debut of Antoine Semenyo. The versatile attacker completed a £64m move from Bournemouth just yesterday, and Guardiola has confirmed he will be in the matchday squad. With a Carabao Cup semi-final against Newcastle on the horizon, expect a blend of senior stars and academy starlets like Jaden and Reigan Heskey.
Exeter City: Seeking a Giant-Killing
Gary Caldwell’s Exeter City sit 14th in League One but arrive at the Etihad in high spirits, unbeaten in their last three league games. The Grecians secured this dream tie by dismantling Wycombe Wanderers 4–0 in the second round. Caldwell, who was part of the Wigan team that famously upset City in the 2013 FA Cup Final, will be hoping to orchestrate another miracle in front of a sold-out away end of 7,800 supporters.
Team News & Probable Lineups
Manchester City Team News
Injuries: Josko Gvardiol (tibial fracture), Ruben Dias (hamstring), John Stones (thigh), Savinho, Oscar Bobb, and Mateo Kovacic.
AFCON Duty: Omar Marmoush and Rayan Ait-Nouri.
Debut Watch: Antoine Semenyo is expected to feature.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Trafford; Lewis, Mfuni, Alleyne, Naylor; Gray, J. Heskey; McAidoo, Cherki, R. Heskey; Mukasa.
Exeter City Team News
Absentees: Johnly Yfeko, Josh Magennis, Ryan Rydel, and Danny Andrew are sidelined with injuries.
Recall: Defender Sil Swinkels was recently recalled by parent club Aston Villa and is unavailable.
Top Scorer: Jayden Wareham (11 goals this season) remains the primary threat.
Predicted XI (3-4-2-1): Whitworth; Sweeney, Fitzwater, Turns; Niskanen, Doyle-Hayes, Brierley, McMillan; Cole, Aitchison; Wareham.
Key Stats & Prediction
FA Cup Record: Manchester City have won their last 19 FA Cup ties against lower-league opposition by a combined score of 72–10.
Home Fortress: City have won 8 of their last 10 home matches in all competitions.
Goal Machine: Erling Haaland recently reached 150 goals for the club in just 173 appearances.
Exeter's Form: The Grecians have kept 4 clean sheets in their last 5 matches where "Both Teams to Score" was No.
Match Prediction
Even with a heavily rotated side and an injury-depleted defense, the technical gap between the Premier League champions and mid-table League One remains vast. Exeter will look to remain compact and frustrate City, but Guardiola's academy products are well-versed in the "City way" and should find a breakthrough.
Final Score Prediction: Manchester City 4–0 Exeter City
