Ruthless City to put Vale to the sword
A usually ruthless cup side in Manchester City welcome League Two playoff contenders Port Vale to the Etihad Stadium in a dream money spinning tie for the Valiants. In their first full season under the new ownership of Synsol Holdings Limited the club have seen an upturn in form and vast improvement on last season’s efforts where they narrowly avoided dropping into the National League, finishing 20th. John Askey has steered his side safely into 10th place just four points off the playoff places, demonstrating some good form home and away, complimented by some astute dealings in the transfer market, Vale should persist to knock on the door of the top seven for the remainder of the campaign.
Recent statistics
Defence is by far City’s weakest facet which has led to both teams getting on the scoresheet in seven of their last eight home matches. The top heavy team are likely to continue their devastating pedigree at the other end of the pitch though however with their last seven FA Cup 3rd round home ties all bringing three or more goals, combine that with the fact they have recorded four second half strikes in their last three FA Cup home victories, and you may have a pretty terrified Vale realist.
The Valiants have tried their hand against Premier League opposition twice this century losing by two or more goals on both occasions, but they have built up plenty of confidence on their travels going into this one. Only losing one of their last seven trips, winning four and drawing two shows they can handle themselves as underdogs.
David Amoo
Summer signing from Cambridge United, David Amoo hit the ground running at the beginning of the season however has struggled to maintain those performance levels. Deployed on either wing the free transfer has struggled for creativity this term, and yet coming up against an inexperienced Manchester Citybackline he should be able to drag his team forward and valuably relieve pressure in crucial moments. At 28, this is arguably the biggest match of his career and challenging a fringe player at left-back he could spark Vale into something with his undoubted ability at League Two level. If Vale can rise to the occasion and spring some surprises, Amoo will be a key asset to them.
Reality
Pep Guardiola has not taken any prisoners against lower league opposition in recent seasons and this will be no different. Comfortably behind the eight ball in the Premier League presents this match as an opportunity to make a statement, and that is what we should all expect. There will be some rotation and I would expect Phil Foden to play an important role in dismantling a fourth tier defence, with City ramming home their advantage in the second half as Vale will tire.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
John Stones' nemesis Tom Pope got on the scoresheet for Vale, as they escaped the Etihad with a respectable 4-1 scoreline.