Fresh from their successful midweek Premier League exploits, Manchester City will return to action this weekend when they host Championship side Plymouth Argyle in the Emirates FA Cup at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, March 1, 2025. Africa Football editor Allan Damba looks into the upcoming match and provides his prediction.
Match Overview
City head into the game with confidence after securing a narrow 1-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday, February 26, courtesy of a solitary Erling Haaland goal. To reach this round, Manchester City eliminated lower-league side Leyton Orient with a 2-1 win, thanks to goals from Abdukodir Khusanov and Kevin De Bruyne. In the previous round, they thrashed Salford City FC 8-0.
On the other hand, Plymouth Argyle have had a full week to prepare, with their last game coming last weekend—a 1-1 draw against Cardiff City in the EFL Championship. To reach this stage, they pulled off a stunning 1-0 upset over Liverpool, with Ryan Hardie netting the winner.
Manchester City Recent Form Analysis
In their last five matches across all competitions, Manchester City have suffered three defeats, winning two and drawing none. During this period, the Citizens have scored eight goals and conceded the same number.
Last five games: 2 wins, 3 losses
Latest result: Tottenham 0-1 Manchester City
Plymouth Recent Form Analysis
Plymouth have lost just once in their last five games across all competitions, winning two and drawing two. During this stretch, they have scored eight goals and conceded five.
Last five games: 2 wins, 2 draws, 1 loss
Latest result: Plymouth 1-1 Cardiff
Head-to-Head (Last five games)
- Manchester City 2-0 Plymouth
- Plymouth 0-1 Manchester City
- Plymouth 3-6 Manchester City
- Manchester City 1-0 Plymouth
- Manchester City 3-1 Plymouth
Our prediction for Manchester City vs Plymouth
With the FA Cup being Manchester City’s last realistic shot at silverware this season, they are unlikely to take any chances against lower-league opposition.
Punters are advised to bet on Over 3.5 goals with odds of 1.72 on 1xBet. Another safe option is Total Goals – 1 (Over 2.5) with odds of 1.40 on 1xBet.
Player to watch
Omar Marmoush: The Egyptian forward has looked sharp in his eight appearances for Manchester City, though he has only scored in one of them—netting a hat-trick against Newcastle. He will be looking to get back on the scoresheet against Miron Muslic’s side this Saturday.
Best odds and betting tips
- Over 3.5 goals – odds of 1.72 on 1xBet
- Total Goals – 1 (Over 2.5) – odds of 1.30 on 1xBet
