Manchester City vs Rotherham United-FA Cup, January 6, Preview and Scores

Manchester City will put their revived title charge on hold when they welcome visitors, Rotherham, for an FA CUP third round tie on Sunday, 6th January. March, 2002 was the last time these two sides played with the fixture ending in a 1-all draw at Millmoor. Sixteen years later, Rotherham will be facing a different team-the Premier League’s defending champions under the tutelage of Pep Guardiola. The FA Cup is the only missing domestic title missing on the resumé of the Spanish gaffer. He will therefore be gutted by a surprise win by the championship side. A slip is not on the table for the Champions.

Manchester City

Manchester City just revived their title ambitions in a win against title challengers, Liverpool. They would be licking their lips at the thought of playing a Championship side for their first fixture in the cup. Although, they ensured a win against Liverpool, it will be surprising to see any member of that starting XI feature in this game. This is owing to the fact they would still be tasked with an EFL cup semi-finals tie. All members will therefore need to remain fit as fatigue could play its toll on the team’s performance. In spite of this, City are still able to name a strong side against the Championship team. Here’s a look at their recent form.

Recent form (in all competitions): W W L L  W

Rotherham United

The South Yorkshire side are expected to be on the back foot in a tie with a high pressing City. They have managed only one win in 5 games with a draw and three losses in the other games. For this reason, edging past the Manchester Blues would be a tall order for them. But football is a funny old game right? Let’s keep our fingers crossed and see how much of an upset the Millers can pull

Recent form (in all competitions): W L L L D

SEE ALSO >> Blackpool vs Arsenal-FA Cup January 5, Preview and Scores<< 

Team News

Manchester City are likely to hand first team football to City’s promising starlet-Foden. Others who could likely get first team shirt include: Eric Garcia, Brahim Diaz. Players like Gabriel Jesus, Riyad Mahrez, Ilkay Gundogan, out-of-favour, Kylewalker, Nicolas Otamendi and Arijanet Muric are also favoured players to feature in this Cup tie.

The South Yorkshire side would be without the services of Ryan who was recalled by QPR midway through a season-long loan. Other absentees include Zak Vyner, Clark Robertson, Darren Potter and Kyle Vassel who were missing in the game against Preston.

Possible Starting line-up

Manchester City:

Muric; Zinchenko, Otamendi, Garcia, Walker; Foden, Gundogan, De Bruyne; Diaz, Mahrez, Jesus.

Rotherham United:

Marek Rodak; Semi Ajayi, Sean Raggett, Richard-Wood, Joe Mattock; Will Vaulks, Ryan Williams; Ben Wiles, Michael Smith

Score Prediction: 

Although, City would be fielding their team B, this should be an easy fixture for them considering that the Millers are on a 13-game winless run away from home. We say- Manchester City 3-0 Rotherham

Scores

Pep viewing this post must have seen this prediction as an irritating one. Only three goals?

City under the tutelage of Pep Guardiola grounded Rotherham United to a pulp in a 7-goal with all goals from the Manchester side.

Manchester City 7-0 Rotherham United

 

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